Physics of alpha channelling and related TFTR experiments

Over the last thirty years, there have been increasingly ambitious theories and experiments along the theme of exercising increased control over plasma by means of RF waves. The diversion of energy from energetic alpha particles to waves (alpha channelling) is such an attempt at detailed control over plasma behavior. The effect could accelerate progress towards an economical deuterium-tritium tokamak reactor. Recent simulations and experiments on TFTR support certain separate building blocks that taken together might produce the desired effect.