H-mode research in NSTX

摘要

H-modes are routinely obtained in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) and have become a standard operational scenario. L-H transitions triggered by NBI heating have been obtained over a wide parameter range in I_p, B_t, and n-bar-e in either lower-single-null (LSN) or double-null (DN) diverted discharges. Edge localized modes are observed in both configurations but the characteristics differ between DN and LSN, which also have different triangularities (δ). An H-mode duration of 500 ms was obtained in LSN, with total pulse length of ～1 s. Preliminary power threshold studies indicate that the L-H threshold is between 600 kW and 1.2 MW, depending on the target parameters. Gas injector fuelling from the centre stack (i.e. the high toroidal field side) has enabled routine H-mode access, and comparisons with low-field side (LFS) fuelled H-mode discharges show that the LFS fuelling delays the L-H transition and alters the pre-transition plasma profiles. Gas puff imaging and reflectometry show that the H-mode edge is usually more quiescent than the L-mode edge. Divertor infrared camera measurements indicate up to 70% of available power flows to the divertor targets in quiescent H-mode discharges.