Confinement state characterization modules for DECAF

High-confinement mode (H-mode) is an operational regime in which future reactors will likely operate, including ITER. H-mode is characterized by broad, elevated kinetic profiles with steep edge gradients resulting from the formation of an internal transport barrier. Transitions from H-mode to low-confinement (L-mode) have previously been identified as part of some event sequences that lead to plasma termination, hence making its characterization of interest in understanding disruptions. We present an implementation of new confinement modules for DECAF – a code that resolves, characterizes, and forecasts event chains that lead to plasma disruption. The confinement events take as input various plasma signals, including electron temperature, D_α, plasma stored energy, energy confinement time. The events are validated on a database of H- and L-mode plasmas in KSTAR and NSTX. Primary confinement modules are currently being examined for real-time implementation on KSTAR, commencing utilization of the newly installed rt- electron cyclotron emission diagnostic as part of the machine’s rt-DECAF implementation. Finally, using the DECAF event chain analysis framework, we present preliminary results on the extent of correlation and causality of confinement back-transitions with disruptions.