Cyclotron Harmonics Research Articles

Bump-on-tail distributions caused by Alfvénic redistribution of energetic ions

A series of experiments was performed in the JET tokamak aiming to study the characteristics and eventual effects of beam injected ion populations further accelerated through 2nd harmonic ion cyclotron heating. It was found that the injection of these ions could affect sawtooth stability and that these populations excite toroidicity induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) in the core of the plasma. More interestingly, measurements of DD beam-plasma neutrons from the TOFOR spectrometer show that these modes caused local bump-on-tail distributions in energy. Numerical simulations performed with the CASTOR-K code found a strong interaction between the core-localized TAEs and ions with energies at which local minima in the energy distribution were measured.

Variations of cyclotron resonant scattering features in Vela X-1 revealed with Insight-HXMT

ABSTRACT We present a detailed study of the high-mass X-ray binary Vela X-1, using observations performed by Insight-HXMT in 2019 and 2020, concentrating on timing analysis and spectral studies including pulse phase-resolved spectroscopy. The cyclotron line energy is found to be ∼21–27 and 43–50 keV for the fundamental and first harmonic, respectively. We present the evolution of spectral parameters and find that the two line centroid energy ratio E2/E1 evolved from ∼2 before MJD 58900 to ∼1.7 after that. The harmonic cyclotron line energy has no relation to the luminosity but the fundamental line energy shows a positive correlation with X-ray luminosity, suggesting that Vela X-1 is located in the sub-critical accreting regime. In addition, the pulse phase-resolved spectroscopy in Vela X-1 is performed. Both the cyclotron resonant scattering feature and continuum parameters show strong variability over the pulse phase with the ratio of two line energies about 2 near the peak phases and down to ∼1.6 around off-peak phases. Long-term significant variations of the absorption column density and its evolution over the pulse phase may imply the existence of the clumpy wind structure near the neutron star.

Design and Cold Test of a G-Band 10-kW-Level Pulse TE01-Mode Gyrotron Traveling-Wave Tube

Overall design and cold test of a G-band gyrotron traveling-wave tube (gyro-TWT) amplifier are presented. This gyro-TWT aims at achieving a goal of 10-kW pulse output power in the range of 210–220 GHz. It is operated in a circular TE <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">01</sub> mode at the fundamental cyclotron harmonics, which is driven by a 50-kV, 3-A gyrating electron beam. Low velocity spread diode-type magnetron injection gun (MIG), multichannel TE <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">01</sub> mode input coupler, broadband metasurface output window, and lossy material loaded beam–wave interaction circuit are simulated and partially measured. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation shows that the designed gyro-TWT can achieve a saturated output power over 10 kW in the range of 210–228 GHz with a beam velocity spread of 2.29%.

Simultaneous occurrence of four magnetospheric wave modes and the resultant combined scattering effect on radiation belt electrons

We report a representative concurrent event of four wave modes at <italic>L</italic> ≈ 5.0, including electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves, exohiss, magnetosonic (MS) waves, and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, based on the observations from Van Allen Probe A on October 15, 2015. The diffusion coefficients induced by these waves are calculated by using both the Full Diffusion Code and test particle simulations. Moreover, the scattering effects of these waves on energetic electrons are simulated by using a two-dimensional Fokker–Planck diffusion model. The results show that ECH waves mainly scatter low-pitch-angle (&lt; 20°) electrons at 0.1–10 keV; exohiss can significantly scatter hundreds of kiloelectron volt electrons to form a reversed energy spectrum; MS waves mainly affect high-pitch-angle electrons (&gt; 60°); and EMIC waves scatter only &gt; 5 MeV electrons. The combined scattering effects of exohiss and MS waves are stronger than those of exohiss alone. The top-hat pitch angle distributions produced by exohiss are relaxed after adding the effect of MS waves. Because the energies of electrons scattered by ECH waves and EMIC waves are much lower and higher than those scattered by exohiss and MS waves, respectively, the combined scattering effects with the addition of ECH and EMIC waves show little difference from the results for the combination of MS waves and exohiss. These results suggest that distinct wave modes can occur simultaneously and scatter electrons in combination or individually, which requires careful consideration in future global simulations of the complex dynamics of radiation belt energetic electrons.

Excitation of high cyclotron harmonics in a high-current relativistic gyrotron in the frequency multiplication regime

Using the averaged equations supplemented with 3D particle-in-cells simulation methods, we have studied the frequency multiplication regime in a high-current relativistic gyrotron. The paper shows that the ratio between the output power of the higher (fifth or sixth) harmonics and that of the fundamental cyclotron resonance may be of about 0.1-0.3%. Accordingly, the nonlinear transformation coefficient is several orders of magnitude higher than the values achievable in gyrotrons with weakly-relativistic electron beams. Keywords: gyrotron, harmonic excitation, high-current relativistic electron beams.

Моделирование трехионного сценария ионно-циклотронного резонансного нагрева для токамака Глобус-М2

The goal of this paper is to assess the possibility of using a new three-ion ICRF heating scheme on the spherical tokamak Globus-M2. In the first place, the operating frequencies and positions of cyclotron harmonics were found. Matching with frequency band of RF system of Globus-M2 was made. The absorption of electromagnetic waves was modeled using a one-dimensional full-wave code. Since the appearance of high-energy particles is expected in the three-ion ICRF scheme of heating special attention is paid to a comparing the estimates for generated particles energies with their confinement in tokamak Globus-M2.

Modelling of three-ion ICRF heating scenario for tokamak Globus-M2

The goal of this paper is to assess the possibility of using a new three-ion ICRF heating scheme on the spherical tokamak Globus-M2. In the first place, the operating frequencies and positions of cyclotron harmonics were found. Matching with frequency band of RF system of Globus-M2 was made. The absorption of electromagnetic waves was modeled using a one-dimensional full-wave code. Since the appearance of high-energy particles is expected in the three-ion ICRF scheme of heating special attention is paid to a comparing the estimates for generated particles energies with their confinement in tokamak Globus-M2. Keywords: nuclear fusion, tokamak, high temperature plasma, Globus-M, ICRF heating, three-ion ICRF, H-D-3He plasma.

Power transport efficiency during O-X-B 2nd harmonic electron cyclotron heating in a helicon linear plasma device 1 1This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC, under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the US Department of Energy (DOE). The publisher acknowledges the US government license to provide public access under the DOE Public Access Plan (http://energy.gov/downloads/doe-public-access-plan).

The principal objective of this work is to report on the power coupled to a tungsten target in the prototype-material plasma exposure experiment device during oblique injection of a microwave beam (<70 kW at 28 GHz) into a high-power (∼100 kW at 13.56 MHz) over-dense () deuterium helicon plasma column. The experimental setup, electron heating system, electron heating scheme, and IR thermographic diagnostic for quantifying the power transport is described in detail. It is demonstrated that the power transported to the target can be effectively controlled by adjusting the magnetic field profile. Using this method, heat fluxes up to 22 MW m−2 and power transport efficiencies in the range of 17%–20% have been achieved using 70 kW of microwave power. It is observed that most of the heat flux is confined to a narrow region at the plasma periphery. Ray-tracing calculations are presented which indicate that the power is coupled to the plasma electrons via an O-X-B mode conversion process. Calculations indicate that the microwave power is absorbed in a single pass at the plasma periphery via collisions and in the over-dense region via 2nd harmonic cyclotron resonance of the electron Bernstein wave. The impact of these results is discussed in the context of MPEX.

On accretion in the eclipsing polar BS Tri

ABSTRACT We analyse spectroscopic and photometric observations of the eclipsing polar BS Tri. The polar’s light-curve-shape variations can be interpreted by changing contributions of the accretion stream to the integral radiation of the system. Based on the radial-velocity curves of the irradiated part of the secondary, we refine the masses of the system components, M1 = 0.60 ± 0.04 M⊙ and M2 ≈ 0.12 M⊙, and the orbital inclination, i = 85 ± 0.5°. The polar’s spectra reveal cyclotron harmonics forming in an accretion spot with a magnetic field strength of B = 22.7 ± 0.4 MG and an average temperature of T ∼ 10 keV. In addition to the cyclotron harmonics, the BS Tri spectra contain Zeeman components of H α line, which are probably formed in the cool halo near the accretion spot. The orientation of the magnetic dipole and the coordinates of the accretion spot are estimated by modelling the light curves of the polar. We show that for a satisfactory description of the BS Tri light curves we have to take into account the variability of the spot’s optical depth along the line of sight. Doppler maps of BS Tri show a part of the accretion stream with a trajectory close to ballistic near the Lagrange point L1, and another part of the stream moving along the magnetic field lines. The estimate of the stagnation region position found from the Doppler tomograms is consistent with the photometric estimates of the accretion spot position.

Simultaneous Observation of Whistler Waves and Electron Cyclotron Harmonic Waves in the Separatrix Region of Magnetopause Reconnection

AbstractA variety of plasma waves have been observed in the separatrix region during magnetic reconnection, and their roles on reconnection and exciting mechanisms are still controversial. In this paper, we report the whistler wave with a very narrow frequency band just above half of the electron cyclotron frequency in the separatrix region. This whistler wave is accompanied with the electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves. The ECH waves have frequencies between the first and fifth harmonic of electron cyclotron frequency . The wave normal angle of the whistler waves is ∼20°–∼40°, meaning the quasi‐parallel propagation, while the ECH waves propagate perpendicular to the background magnetic field with . In the separatrix region, the electrons have a loss‐cone distribution while these two kinds of waves are observed. Based on the linear theory, such an electron distribution is unstable for both whistler waves and ECH waves. It indicates that these two kinds of waves are generated by the electron loss‐cone instability.

Stable Excitation of Higher Axial Modes in the Traveling-Wave-Tube Regime in Gyrotron Cavities With Additional Loss Elements

Weakness of the electron-wave coupling in compact low-power terahertz-frequency-range gyrotrons due to relatively low electron beam currents and operation at high cyclotron harmonics results in the use of long-length cavities with high diffraction Q-factors, and, therefore, with a high share of the ohmic loss of the radiated wave power. In this work, we demonstrate a possibility for stable operation at higher axial modes possessing relatively low diffraction Q-factors. Enhanced efficiency of the electron-wave interaction is provided due to the excitation of higher axial modes in the traveling-wave-tube regime.

On the voltage–current optimization in high-harmonic gyrotrons

In low-power short-wavelength gyrotrons with weak intensity of the electron–wave interaction, determining of the optimal parameters of the system is a result of a trade-off between the enhancement of the electron efficiency and the increase in the Ohmic loss share with an increasing cavity length. In this paper, we investigate the question of whether it is more advantageous to use operating regimes with a higher current at a fixed electron beam power, or whether it is better to increase the accelerating voltage. The answer to the question is determined strictly by the number of the operating cyclotron harmonic of the gyrotron.

Automodulation instability in gyrotrons operating at the second cyclotron harmonic

Interest in gyrotron operation at cyclotron harmonics is motivated by the users' desire to reduce the magnetic fields required for operation at a given frequency. However, operation at harmonics is more complicated than at the fundamental resonance because in harmonic gyrotrons there are many parasitic modes at the fundamental, which can be prone to excitation. The present study is devoted to the analysis of automodulation instability in harmonic gyrotrons. Such instability may occur, for example, when in the vicinity of the desired second harmonic mode there is a pair of parasitic modes at the fundamental, for the frequencies and azimuthal indices of which some specific conditions are met. In this paper, the equations describing this instability are derived in the cold-cavity approximation. The study is then focused on a second harmonic gyrotron with the parameters optimal for efficient operation. For such a gyrotron, the region of instability is determined in the plane of frequency mismatches between the operating and parasitic modes. This treatment performed within the framework of the general theory is complemented by consideration of some gyrotrons operating in specific modes, which are surrounded by specific sideband modes at the fundamental.

Linear and Nonlinear Plasma Processes in Ionospheric HF Heating

Featured observations of high frequency (HF) heating experiments are first introduced; the uniqueness of each observation is presented; the likely cause and physical process of each observed phenomenon instigated by the HF heating are discussed. A special point in the observations, revealed through the ionograms, is the competition between the Langmuir parametric instability and upper hybrid parametric instability excited in the heating experiments and the impact of the natural cusp at foE (the peak plasma frequency of the ionospheric E region) on the competition. The ionograms also infer the generation of Langmuir and upper hybrid cavitons. Ray tracing theory is formulated. With and without the appearance of large-scale field-aligned density irregularities in the background ionosphere, ray trajectories of the ordinary mode (O-mode) and extraordinary mode (X-mode) sounding pulses are calculated numerically. The results explain the artificial Spread-F recorded by the digisondes in the heating experiments. Parametric instabilities, which are the directly relevant processes to achieve effective heating of the ionospheric F region, are formulated and analyzed. The threshold fields and growth rates of Langmuir and upper hybrid parametric instabilities are derived as the theoretical basis of many radar observations and electron-plasma wave interactions. Harmonic cyclotron resonance interaction processes between electrons and upper hybrid waves are introduced. Formulation and analysis are presented. The numerical results show that ultra-energetic electrons are generated. These electrons enhance airglow at 777.4 nm as well as cause ionization. Physical processes leading to the generation of artificial ionization layers are discussed. The nonlinear Schrodinger equation governing the nonlinear evolution of Langmuir waves and upper hybrid waves are derived and solved. The nonlinear periodic and solitary solutions of the equations are obtained. The localized Langmuir and upper hybrid waves generated by the HF heater form cavitons near the HF reflection layer and near the upper hybrid resonance layer, which induce bumps in the virtual height spread of the ionogram trace similar to that induced by the density cusp at E-F1 transition layer; the down-going Langmuir waves and upper hybrid waves evolve into nonlinear periodic waves propagating along the magnetic field, which backscatter incoherently the sounding pulses to cause downward virtual height spread.

Acceleration of Ring Current Protons Driven by Magnetosonic Waves: Comparisons of Test Particle Simulations with Quasilinear Calculations

Abstract Wave–particle interactions play important roles in local acceleration and pitch angle scattering loss of charged particle dynamics in astrophysics and space physics, and energy transfer between plasma waves and particles is a key problem in plasma physics. Using full relativistic test particle simulations, we quantitatively evaluate the magnetosonic wave-driven acceleration of Earth's ring current protons both inside and outside the plasmapause at L = 4.5. Analysis of resonance conditions indicates that the broadband magnetosonic waves can affect protons by multiple harmonic cyclotron resonances. With a representative amplitude ∼200 pT, magnetosonic waves can produce energy diffusion coefficients, obtained from test particle simulations, at rates of ∼10−4 s−1 for protons ∼1–3 keV inside the plasmapause and ∼3–30 keV outside the plasmapause, both at equatorial pitch angles ∼75°–90°. Compared with the quasilinear theory calculations, the test particle diffusion coefficients exhibit a difference due to the nonresonant transit time effect outside the plasmapause. Subsequent 2D Fokker–Planck simulations indicate that on a timescale of ∼2 days, magnetosonic waves can effectively enhance the phase space density of the ring current protons ∼10 keV inside the plasmapause and ∼100 keV outside the plasmapause at equatorial pitch angles ∼60°–90°, thereby leading to the evolvement of the ring current proton distribution from a Kappa-type to a 90°-peaked profile. Our results demonstrate that the local acceleration of the ring current protons by magnetosonic waves is an important process of energy transfer between different populations of magnetospheric protons and hence contributes to the dynamic evolution of Earth's ring current.

Frequency Multiplication in Planar Gyrotrons as a Method for Production of High-Power Multi-THz Radiation

We propose a novel source of high-power 1–3-THz radiation based on frequency multiplication in a planar gyrotron, with transverse energy extraction. In such a scheme, it is possible to increase significantly the transverse size both of the cavity and of the electron beam, and, correspondingly, the output power at the fundamental harmonic. At the same time, equidistant mode spectrum of a cavity of planar gyrotrons is favorable for generation at high-order cyclotron harmonics in the frequency multiplication regime, providing a much higher efficiency of nonlinear conversion when compared with conventional cylindrical gyrotron schemes. In simulations of a 1-THz planar gyrotron, within the multimode time-domain model, we demonstrate a possibility of kilowatt-level radiation at the second cyclotron harmonic and power of several watts at the third one. The obtained results are partially confirmed based on direct 3-D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations.

Mode Selective Azimuthally Asymmetric Cavity for Terahertz Gyrotrons

A method of improving the selectivity of open cavities of electron cyclotron masers (gyrotrons) operating at high cyclotron harmonics in the terahertz frequency range is proposed and described. This method is purely electrodynamical and based on a simple deformation of the cavity wall. The proposed approach paves the way for the increase in the gyrotron frequencies and for enhancing the selectivity of open cavities in other applications.

Observation of electron cyclotron harmonic emissions due to electrostatic instabilities in mirror-confined plasma

The authors present observations of electromagnetic emissions near electron cyclotron harmonics from mirror-confined laboratory plasma during electron cyclotron resonance heating by microwaves, and attribute them to electron cyclotron instabilities.

Cold-hot coupled waves in a flowing magnetized plasma

Nonlinear coupling of cold and hot waves in a flowing magnetized plasma is analyzed with the Vlasov equation. An analytical solution is obtained for cold waves of a small amplitude (weak flow) and a long wavelength. The distribution function is obtained by integrating the kinetic equation along a perturbed phase-space trajectory for a time-varying plasma flow. The kinetic description presents a generalized dispersion relation that involves resonances depending on cold and hot wave dispersions. Coherent fluid motion leads to radiation peaks in addition to the cyclotron harmonics, where the wavenumber of the cold wave determines the peak frequencies. The peaks appear narrow when the wave propagates perpendicular to the time-averaged flow while they become broad due to the Doppler effect when the wave propagates parallel to the flow. Fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations corroborate the theoretical predictions. The dispersion relation and resulting wave spectra provide information about plasma parameters and flow properties.

Universal Subterahertz Large-Orbit Gyrotron: Operation at the Second and Third Cyclotron Harmonics

Coherent subterahertz radiation in the continuous-wave regime was obtained in a large-orbit gyrotron (LOG) operated at a high harmonic of the cyclotron frequency. An electron–optical system containing a gun with a cusp followed by a section of adiabatic magnetic compression with a factor of 1000 ensures the formation of a 30 keV/0.7 A helical axis-encircling electron beam with acceptable velocity spread and pitch factor in a magnetic field of 5 T. Stable singlemode operation was obtained at frequencies of 0.394 and 0.267 THz with radiation powers of 0.37 and 0.9 kW at the third and second cyclotron harmonics, respectively. Tuning of the generation frequency in the gyrotron during its operation at the second cyclotron harmonic and complex regimes of competition of two waves excited at the second and third cyclotron harmonics are also studied.