Impact of Turbulent Tokamak Edge Plasma on Ion Cyclotron Wave Propagation and Absorption: A Stochastic 1D Model in a DTT Plasma Scenario
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Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) is recognized as a powerful approach for plasma heating and current drive in tokamak experiments. In our earlier studies, we developed a 1D semi-analytical and numerical model to describe the propagation and absorption of an Ion Cyclotron wave in a Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) plasma scenario, benchmarking it against more comprehensive full-wave codes such as TORIC. Building upon this foundation, the present work introduces stochastic density fluctuations in the tokamak edge region. Such fluctuations, commonly observed in experiments, can significantly influence the antenna-plasma coupling by modifying wave reflection and altering power absorption profiles. In this study, the 1D wave equation employed in earlier analyses is modified to include random perturbations of the local plasma density. These perturbations are generated analytically with prescribed correlation lengths and amplitudes, and a Monte Carlo approach is adopted to perform statistical analysis. For each realization, the wave reflection and transmission coefficients are computed using the Invariant Imbedding Method (IIM), and corresponding power deposition profiles are evaluated. These findings can pave the way for more accurate predictions of ICRH performance in forthcoming devices, where steep density gradients and turbulent fluctuations are expected. Future works will refine the fluctuation model based on experimentally measured correlation functions and compare the present 1D stochastic results with selected full-wave simulations in realistic tokamak geometries.