Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics

Wave Heating of Plasmas

Introduction

Several mechanisms for heating plasmas have been noted and evaluated in the topics discussed earlier, such as Ohmic heating, magnetic compression heating, and shock wave heating. The addition of energy to plasma is a critical aspect for achievement of successful operation of plasma devices, and heating techniques have been tailored to the unique ranges of properties in different devices.

One of the most significant physics and engineering challenges has been the achievement of controlled magnetic fusion. Experiments with controlled fusion devices such as tokamaks, mirror machines, as well as Z- and theta pinch machines have required heating techniques such as electron beams, laser heating, and of direct interest ...