Fast ion redistribution and losses in JET advanced tokamak scenario

• Published in: Nuclear fusion 2010-08, Vol.50 (8), p.084021-084021
• Main Authors: Nabais, F, Kiptily, V.G, Pinches, S.D, Sharapov, S.E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coupled modes; Evolution; Exact sciences and technology; Flattening; Magnetic confinement and equilibrium; Magnetohydrodynamic waves (e.g., alfven waves); Mathematical analysis; Nuclear fusion; Physics; Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges; Physics of plasmas and electric discharges; Pitch angle; Temporal logic; Tokamak devices; Tokamaks; Transformations; Waves, oscillations, and instabilities in plasmas and intense beams
• ISSN: 0029-5515; 1741-4326
• DOI: 10.1088/0029-5515/50/8/084021

The influence of Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) (core-localized toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) and high- m global TAE) on redistribution and loss of fast ions in the advanced tokamak scenario has been investigated in JET dedicated experiments. Temporal evolution of the spatial structure of AEs present in the plasma during q -profile evolution has been calculated with the MISHKA code. On the other hand, fast ion losses with resolution in energy and pitch angle were measured with a scintillator probe, while the internal redistribution of the fast ions was analysed by measuring the temporal evolution of the radial profiles of γ-ray emission coming from the fast ions colliding with the main impurities, Be and C. Correlating the measurements above, it is possible to assess the effect of AEs on redistribution and loss of fast ions. It is found that the TAE localized in the core of the plasma causes a severe redistribution of the fast ions in the plasma centre, leading to a flattening of the vertical profile of γ-ray emission. In addition, the core-localized TAE also causes enhanced fast ion losses. As the core-localized TAE moves radially outwards, a transition to high- m global TAE occurs. In the transformation phase, a coupled mode with components both in the core and in the edge of the plasma exists. The maximum number of losses is normally measured when this coupled mode with a large radial extent is present in the plasma.