Self-consistent numerical simulation of isotope separation by selective ion cyclotron resonance heating in a magnetically confined plasma

A self-consistent nonlinear model of an isotope separation process based on selective ion cyclotron resonance heating in a magnetized plasma is presen ted, and its numerical resolution is described. The response of the electro ns to the electromagnetic field is modeled by a cold and linear conductivit y tensor, while a particle method is used to solve nonlinear Vlasov equatio ns for the ions. The resolution of the time-harmonic Maxwell equations is a chieved by a finite-element method. Both steps are coupled by an iterative procedure, which shows fast convergence. Results are presented for the case of a solenoidal launching antenna. (C) 2001 Academic Press.