First observations of ion cyclotron emission in the TCV tokamak

Abstract The first observations of ion cyclotron emission (ICE) in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) tokamak are reported. The measured ICE frequency closely follows the deuterium ion cyclotron frequency at the magnetic axis, with temporal variations consistent with equilibrium evolution and associated shifts of the magnetic axis. Core ICE is observed primarily during phases with combined electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) and neutral beam injection (NBI). In most discharges the second harmonic dominates, while in others higher harmonics (third or fourth) are observed. Fine spectral structure, including branch splitting and frequency chirping, is frequently detected, together with additional modes consistent with emission at cyclotron harmonics from regions closer to the plasma edge. Core ICE is observed during both co-current and counter-current NBI. The frequency offset of core ICE relative to the ion cyclotron harmonic at the magnetic axis reverses sign between co- and counter-current injection, and this behavior is confirmed in discharges with reversed plasma current. The observed frequency shifts are qualitatively consistent with Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonance arguments.