Beam tracing description of lower hybrid waves in tokamaks

Abstract

In this work the beam tracing method is treated from both a theoretical and computational point of view in order to investigate the propagation of lower hybrid waves in a tokamak plasma. In particular, LHBEAM (Lower Hybrid BEAM tracing) code, which numerically solves the beam tracing equations in the lower hybrid frequency range, is described. The beam tracing calculations are compared with the corresponding geometrical optics results for typical plasma parameters of JET (Joint European Torus at UKAEA Fusion at Culham in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom). In addition, the comparison between the result from full electromagnetic dispersion relation with respect to the electrostatic dispersion relation is shown.