LOW-FREQUENCY CURRENT DRIVE UTILIZING NONLINEAR-WAVE MIXING

In this paper we present a self-consistent analysis of steady-state cu rrent generation by nonlinear mixing of Alfven waves in a resistive in compressible plasma slab. In the model, the low-frequency waves are ex cited inside the plasma using external electric and magnetic current s heet antennas; Since the plasma medium is nonlinear, the first-order p rimary waves beat together with each other, and generate a second-orde r steady-state longitudinal current. The steady-state current density is computed self-consistently in the analysis using Ampere's law. Seve ral antenna configurations and current production schemes are explored . It is shown that it is possible to drive reasonably large steady-sta te currents in the plasma using waves with a modest amplitude. Methods for controlling the current characteristics by means of the antenna p arameters are also studied. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.