Energy transfer from fusion alpha particles to externally driven high frequency waves in a tokamak

The possibility of energy transfer from fusion alpha particles to externally driven wave fields for the purpose of driving current in a tokamak reactor was originally suggested by Fisch and Rax (Phys. Rev. Lett. 69 (1992) 612). The idea is reconsidered here for a class of alpha particle distribution functions that is nearly isotropic, except for the presence of diamagnetic flow due to radial inhomogeneity. The transfer of energy from alpha particles to high frequency waves (far above the ion gyrofrequency) requires that the driving term, which is proportional to the radial gradient of the alpha particle distribution function, be large enough to dominate the usual Landau damping. For a classic slowing down distribution, Landau damping dominates and the alpha particles absorb energy from the waves. Alternatively, if the alpha particle distribution is peaked near the birth speed, then the radial gradient driving term tends to dominate and energy can be extracted by the waves. Radial diffusion is a natural mechanism which displaces alpha particles outward before they can slow down (locally). However, a solution of a model Fokker-Planck equation, including radial diffusion and collisional slowing down, shows that the alpha particle distribution function still tends to absorb energy from the waves. Within the context of linear theory, high frequency waves may not be optimal as a means of extracting energy from alpha particles