Optimization of X-mode electron cyclotron current drive in high-electron-temperature plasma in the EAST tokamak

A discharge with electron temperature up to 14 keV has been achieved in EAST. Analysis of the electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) efficiency at high electron temperature under EAST parameters is presented using C3PO/LUKE code. Simulation results show that the ECCD efficiency of X-mode increases with central electron temperature up to 10 keV and then starts to decrease above 10 keV, at a specific magnetic field and toroidal angle. The efficiency degradation is due to the presence of the third harmonic extraordinary (X3) downshifted absorption at the low field side (LFS); even the cold resonance of X3 mode is located outside the plasma. As the electron temperature increases from 5 to 20 keV, the X3 absorption increases from 0.9% to 96.4%. The trapping electron effect at the LFS produces a reverse Ohkawa current. The competition between the Fisch–Boozer current drive and the Ohkawa current drive results in a decrease in ECCD efficiency. ECCD efficiency optimization is achieved through two methods. One is to increase the toroidal angle, leading to X2 mode predominating again over X3 mode and the electron resonance domain of X2 mode moving far from the trapped/passing boundary. The second one is to increase the magnetic field to move away the X3 resonance layer from the plasma, hence less EC power absorbed by X3 mode.