Magnetic island suppression by electron cyclotron current drive as converse of a forced reconnection problem

Abstract

This paper addresses one aspect of the problem of the suppression of tearing mode magnetic islands by electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) injection, formulating the problem as the converse of a forced reconnection problem. New physical conditions are discussed which should be considered in the technical approach towards a robust control strategy. Limits on the ECCD deposition are determined to avoid driving the system into regimes where secondary instabilities develop. Numerical simulations confirming the theory are also presented.