Slow-wave antenna coupling to ion Bernstein waves for plasma heating in ICRF

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Abstract
The coupling of ICRF power from a slow-wave antenna to a plasma with finite temperature is examined. A heuristic model, allowing explicit representations of ion Bernstein waves, fast waves and slow waves, is used to clarify how the antenna power is partitioned into the various wave energy fluxes. This model is complemented quantitatively by a more elaborate and realistic computer model. It is shown that such antennas can be highly efficient in transferring most of the antenna power directly to ion Bernstein waves, with only a very small fraction going into fast waves. The potentiality of this coupling scheme for plasma heating in ICRF is briefly discussed.