Monte Carlo Studies of the Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies in Tandem Mirrors

A simulation code for studying the effect on tandem mirror plasmas of waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies has been developed. This code utilizes Monte Carlo techniques to model coulomb collision, radio-frequency (rf) interactions and charge-exchange processes in the plasma. We describe the derivation and application of these various Monte Carlo models, and illustrate our techniques with results from a study of rf startup in tandem mirrors.