The linear relativistic theory of electron cyclotron wave propagation
predicts partial absorption of the extraordinary mode at the third ele
ctron cyclotron harmonic for typical parameters of present day tokamak
plasmas. Since the waves are not totally damped, a quantitative confi
rmation of such predictions is important to establish this particular
resonance scheme firmly for plasma heating and current drive. Specific
experiments have been performed on Tore Supra, to measure the optical
thickness of the third harmonic extraordinary mode for vertical propa
gation, over the full frequency spectrum. Comparison with ray tracing/
absorption calculations provides a direct validation of the linear rel
ativistic theory.