Modeling of fast wave absorption by beam ions in DIII-D discharges

In recent discharges on DIII-D, neutron measurements indicated absorption of the fast wave by energetic deuterium beam ions when the fourth harmonic resonance is on axis, but little or no interaction for the fifth harmonic. In this work, a geometric optics code is used to quantify the beam ion absorption of fast waves as the frequency (or on-axis harmonic resonance) is varied. Isotropic and anisotropic Maxwellians are used to model the beam ion distribution. Wave power flow in this harmonic range has been found to exhibit a strong poloidal and toroidal behavior in its initial transits across the plasma. Absorption along the rays is calculated using the fully thermal and magnetized treatment. Competing with the beam ions for absorption are the minority hydrogen and background electrons. The modeling results are only in partial agreement with experimental observations, indicating that more detailed physics may need to be included.