A new scenario for efficient mode conversion heating, in the ion cyclotron range of frequency, is proposed. Experiments on the Tore Supra tokamak demonstrate that this new scheme can be as efficient as minority ion cyclotron heating. A detailed analysis of this mode conversion scenario, using a new complete 1D model and the 3D full-wave code Alcyon, shows a dominant mode conversion fraction regardless of the antenna phasing. It identifies the new scenario to be a “global” resonator, containing mode conversion, coupled to the antenna.

• Received 10 May 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.1647