1 research outputs found
Observation of whistler wave instability driven by temperature anisotropy of energetic electrons on EXL-50 spherical torus
Electromagnetic modes in the frequency range of 30-120MHz were observed in
electron cyclotron wave (ECW) steady state plasmas on the ENN XuanLong-50
(EXL-50) spherical torus. These modes were found to have multiple bands of
frequencies proportional to the Alfv\'en velocity. This indicates that the
observed mode frequencies satisfy the dispersion relation of whistler waves. In
addition, suppression of the whistler waves by the synergistic effect of Lower
Hybrid Wave (LHW) and ECW was also observed. This suggests that the whistler
waves were driven by temperature anisotropy of energetic electrons. These are
the first such observations (not runaway discharge) made in magnetically
confined toroidal plasmas and may have important implications for studying
wave-particle interactions, RF wave current driver, and runaway electron
control in future fusion devices