An Investigation of RF Currents in a Magnetized Plasma Using a Slow Wave Structure.

An investigation of the interaction of electrostatic waves launched by a slow wave structure with a magnetized plasma is made. The characteristics of the electrostatic waves and the electron dynamics are studied experimentally. Of primary experimental interest is the measurement of the electron energy distribution and the rf-induced electron flux along the background magnetic field. This interest is motivated by a need for a more complete understanding of interaction of plasma with a slow wave electrostatic field which is of importance for rf-heating and rf dc current drive in plasmas.