Project

Theoretical and experimental investigation of generation and effects of rectified electric fields in plasmas heated with radio-frequency power

Code
3G0B3115
Duration
01 January 2015 → 31 December 2018
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Classical physics
    • Elementary particle and high energy physics
    • Other physical sciences
Keywords
rectified electric fields radio-frequency plasmas
 
Project description

The fusion of light nuclei is a promising candidate to supply energy for future generations. The high temperature required for the process can be obtained by coupling radio frequency (RF) power with antennas to the magnetically confined plasma.
A consequence is often the generation of electric fields in the plasma. Rectification in the plasma of components of the RF electric fields produced by the antennas leads to DC electric fields. Processes such as microcircuit fabrication use these electric fields empirically as tools (e.g. to sputter away material). In nuclear fusion, these fields and their effects reduce the effectiveness of an otherwise highly successful heating method.
Theoretical descriptions and numerical simulations are active research topics, but quantitative experimental verifications are missing since they require simple geometries, specific diagnostics and sufficient experimental time; all this is lacking. We will, therefore, utilize a novel dedicated test facility (IShTAR, Ion cyclotron Sheath Test Arrangement) to develop diagnostic methods, validate and improve theoretical predictions, and optimize antennas. The issue is fundamentally related to our understanding of the generation, our ability to measure and our capability to control electric field in plasmas.
A better understanding of these electric fields and their effects will allow an optimisation of the RF heating method in fusion reactors but also improvements in areas where they are used as tools.