ABSTRACT
A multichannel spectroscopic diagnostic based on the Stark effect on helium lines was developed and implemented in IShTAR (Ion Cyclotron Sheath Test ARrangement) to measure the spatial distribution of electric fields across the radio frequency sheaths of the ion cyclotron antenna. Direct measurements of the DC electric fields in the antenna sheaths are an important missing component in understanding the antenna-plasma edge interactions in magnetically confined fusion plasmas since they will be used to benchmark theoretical models against real antenna operation. Along with the high-resolution Czerny-Turner monochromator and a detector with an intensifier, the hardware relies on the 2 chained set of linear-to-linear fiber bundles that provide seven optical channels capable of resolving an 8.4 mm region in the vicinity of the antenna's box. The diagnostic is supported with local helium gas puff, enabling it to operate in nonhelium plasmas. Spatially resolved electric field was measured for two discharge configurations, one with and one without the ICRF antenna. The results show a clear difference in the shape of the DC electric field's spatial profile for the two cases studied, with the elevated values when the ICRF antenna was operating. This demonstrates the ability of the diagnostic to measure even small relative changes in the intensity of the electric field.
ABSTRACT
A new array of B-dot probes was installed on ASDEX Upgrade. The purpose of the new diagnostic is to study Ion Cyclotron Range-off Frequencies (ICRF) wave field distributions in the evanescent scrape-off layer (SOL) plasma region on the low field side of ASDEX Upgrade. The vacuum measurements (no gas, BT = 0 T) reveal ICRF wave field measurements consistent with the profiles expected from the newly installed 3-strap ICRF antennas outside the antenna box: the shape of the toroidal distribution of both the amplitude and the phase is the same for the case of only the central straps being active, as for the case of only the side straps being active. These profiles become strongly modified during plasma operations. The modifications can be separated into two types: "Inter-edge localized mode (ELM)" and "During-ELM" periods. The phase distribution of the ICRF wave fields remains well-defined during the Inter-ELM period; however, it becomes more spread out over the entire 360° range during ELMs. The observed modulations cannot be explained by the observed changes in the ICRF power, as monitored in the transmission line. However, they are consistent with ICRF coupling changes introduced by plasma filaments: the plasma density perturbations due to the filaments are high enough to change the nature of the fast ICRF wave field from evanescent to propagating. The coverage of the present diagnostic is being expanded to include both the low field side and the high field side probes. Additionally, a manipulator probe head is being developed to measure ICRF wave field radial profiles across the SOL region.
