Spatial resolution of microwave/millimeter-wave reflectometry

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Abstract
Reflectometry is currently being used to investigate density fluctuations and turbulence in tokamak plasmas. However, there are unresolved questions about the spatial resolution and wave number sensitivity of this diagnostic method which impact the interpretation of the data. These questions are currently being addressed in a cylindrical, pulsed filament discharge plasma where ion acoustic waves (10–100 kHz) are launched toward the incident microwaves. Preliminary data supporting the spatially localized nature of reflectometry are presented. A computational model is also being developed to provide quantitative comparisons with experiment.