Quantum mechanics

Context (archaeology)

Linguistics

Engineering

Philosophy

Biology

Nuclear physics

Magnetic confinement fusion

Plasma

Radio frequency

Telecommunications

Computer science

Radio wave

Paleontology

Physics

Fusion

Tokamak

Cyclotron

Electrical engineering

Journal of Plasma Physics

Radio frequency (RF) sheaths occur under a wide variety of conditions when RF waves, material surfaces and plasma coexist. RF sheaths are of special importance in describing the interaction of ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) waves with the boundary plasma in tokamaks, stellarators and other magnetic confinement devices. In this article the basic physics of RF sheaths is discussed in the context of magnetic fusion research. Techniques for modelling RF sheaths, their interaction with RF wave fields and the resulting consequences are highlighted. The article is intended as a guide for the early-career ICRF researcher, but it may equally well serve to provide an overview of basic RF sheath concepts and modelling directions for any interested fusion scientist.

A tutorial on radio frequency sheath physics for magnetically confined fusion devices