RF Central Solenoid Operation for Plasma Production and Current Drive in TST-2

The RF central solenoid operation is a method for generating an inductive RF electric field in a device by which plasma can be produced and ohmically heated. Furthermore, it may drive the DC current via heating. Experiments were carried out in TST-2 to clarify this potential under a limited amount of flux swing (±0.5 mVs) of the central solenoid. It was found that it can produce plasma and drive the DC current up to approximately 0.6 kA on average when an external equilibrium field is applied. In addition, the DC current can be ramped up when the inductive RF field is applied to ECW power-sustained plasmas.