Self-consistent numerical simulation of isotope separation by selective ion cyclotron resonance heating in a magnetically confined plasma

A self-consistent nonlinear model of an isotope separation process based on selective ion cyclotron resonance heating in a magnetized plasma is presented, and its numerical resolution is described. The response of the electrons to the electromagnetic field is modeled by a cold and linear conductivity tensor, while a particle method is used to solve nonlinear Vlasov equations for the ions. The resolution of the time-harmonic Maxwell equations is achieved by a finite-element method. Both steps are coupled by an iterative procedure, which shows fast convergence. Results are presented for the case of a solenoidal launching antenna. (C) 2001 Academic Press.