Ion cyclotron emission spectroscopy as an α‐particle monitor

Since 1981, we have proposed and investigated spectral analysis of the harmonics of ion cyclotron emission (ICE) as a means of monitoring the energy content of α particles confined in a magnetic fusion device. A pair of crown probe antennas have been constructed for TFTR to collect ICE spectra and will be installed on that device in the near future. The design of this ICE spectroscopy system is described. Also, some calculations of ICE electromagnetic fluctuations in the ICRF, due to newborn α particles with a distribution function appropriate to typical fusion reactor parameters, are discussed. The calculated emission spectra are quite distinct from that of blackbody radiation.