In certain toroidal devices, the electron cyclotron frequency may smaller than the electron plasma frequency. Since electron cyclotron waves can not propagate at frequencies below the plasma frequency, electron‐Bernstein waves provide an alternative method of RF heating at the electron cyclotron frequency. We have started preliminary runs of electron Bernstein wave absorption using the versatile plasma simulation code VORPAL. VORPAL allows the study of wave absorption from first principles using a PIC model for the plasma electrons and a full finite difference Maxwell solver for the electromagnetic fields. We will present simulations for parameters typical for spherical tokamaks such as NSTX. Possible additions to code which will expand the parameter space that can be studied and allow for study of current drive will be discussed.

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