Overview of Recent Results from Alcator C-Mod

ORAL

Abstract

We have extended the I-mode regime to high power and plasma performance. I-mode yields strong edge ion and electron temperature barriers, excellent energy confinement, and low collisionality, with no need for ELMs to maintain particle control. Detailed studies of ICRF-induced flow drive on C-Mod reveal that the efficiency depends strongly on He3 concentration in the D(He$^{3})$ mode conversion regime, with driven core toroidal rotation up to 110 km/s. Studies of intrinsic rotation show that central toroidal rotation, observed in the absence of external momentum input, scales with edge temperature gradient, and the relationship to fluctuation-induced residual stress is under investigation. For n$_{e}>$1x10$^{20}$ m$^{-3}$ LHCD efficiency drops off more rapidly than expected theoretically, and mechanisms of anomalous absorption in the edge plasma are under investigation. Results from a new, advanced Lower Hybrid launcher, aimed at low-loss and high power density ($\sim $100 MW/m$^{2})$ will be reported. Detailed studies of SOL heat footprints reveal a two zone structure: a narrow channel at the strike point locations, and a tail feature that extends into the far scrape-off layer.

Authors

  • Earl Marmar

    PSFC-MIT, MIT PSFC, MIT