Observation of Localized Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating in a Magnetic Mirror

A right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) electron cyclotron wave is launched along the axis of a steady-state magnetically confined plasma column. Detailed measurements of the spatial variation of electron temperature, density, plasma potential, and wave amplitude about the resonance zone are presented. In particular, data are presented where the temperature increase due to electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) is strongly localized near the resonance position. A numerical wave heating model has been developed for electrons in a magnetic mirror and is found to be in qualitative agreement with observations.