Slowing-Down Losses of Alpha Particles in a Rippled Magnetic Field

Alpha particle losses during slowing-down in a rippled magnetic field are studied under some simplifying assumptions. In particular, it is assumed that the ripple is homogeneous over the plasma cross section. It is found that the fractions of particles and of energy that are lost are large, of the order of 40-60% and 15-30% respectively. The effects of inhomogeneous ripple are discussed, and it is qualitatively shown that this could have serious effects on thermal equilibrium and stability properties.