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The Thomson scattering system on the lithium tokamak experiment
T Strickler1, R Majeski, R Kaita
1Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, P.O. Box 451, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-0451, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|December 3, 2008
Summary
The Lithium Tokamak Experiment (LTX) uses a unique lithium-coated shell to study plasma behavior. Researchers expect this setup to improve plasma confinement and temperature profiles for fusion energy research.
Area of Science:
- Fusion Energy Research
- Plasma Physics
- Tokamak Engineering
Background:
- The Lithium Tokamak Experiment (LTX) is a spherical tokamak designed to investigate advanced plasma confinement concepts.
- A key feature of LTX is its plasma-facing shell coated with liquid lithium, aiming to reduce plasma-wall interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a liquid lithium-coated shell on tokamak plasma parameters.
- To measure electron temperature and density profiles using a multipoint Thomson scattering system.
- To study lithium edge physics in detail with high-resolution measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Lithium Tokamak Experiment (LTX) with specific operational parameters (R(0)=0.4 m, a=0.26 m, B(TF) ~3.4 kG, I(P) ~400 kA, pulse length ~0.25 s).
- Employing a multipoint Thomson scattering (TS) system for electron temperature and density profile measurements.
- Implementing initial measurements at up to 12 points, with future plans for high-resolution edge diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Predictions suggest that low-recycling liquid lithium surfaces will enhance plasma edge temperatures.
- Expected outcomes include flatter temperature profiles and centrally peaked density profiles.
- Anticipated improvements in overall plasma confinement time due to the lithium shell.
Conclusions:
- The LTX experiment aims to validate theoretical predictions of improved plasma performance with a liquid lithium boundary.
- Successful implementation of diagnostics like Thomson scattering is crucial for understanding the physics of lithium-limiter tokamaks.
- Overcoming technical challenges related to line-of-sight access and liquid lithium handling is key to achieving the experiment's goals.
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