One-Dimensional Analysis of ECRH-Assisted Plasma Start-Up in JT-60SA

By using a one-dimensional model, we analyze plasma start-up assisted by second-harmonic extraordinary-mode electron cyclotron (EC) resonance heating (ECRH). The model leads to energy transport equations for electrons and ions, particle transport equations for electrons and hydrogen atoms, and a toroidal current equation. These equations are solved for a cylindrically symmetrical plasma; that is, a torus straightened to a cylinder with a circular cross section and on-axis ECRH power absorption. The calculation indicates that ECRH has a threshold power for plasma start-up in JT-60SA. For example, approximately 1 MW of ECRH power is required for plasma start-up for an initial hydrogen atom density n_H(t=0) = 3.0 × 10¹⁸ m^-3, an error field B_err = 1 mT, carbon and oxygen impurity fractions n_c/n_e = n_o/n_e = 0.1%, and an EC beam radius of approximately 5 cm. This estimated ECRH power is less than the planned power and increases sublinearly with the initial hydrogen atom density. The threshold power depends weakly on the error field and carbon impurity concentration. This is especially prominent for plasma start-up with a low initial hydrogen atom density. This result implies that suppressing the error field and carbon impurity density is helpful for reliable plasma start-up.