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Published on: August 25, 2016
Electron cyclotron emission diagnostics on KSTAR tokamak
1Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1045 Daedeokdaero, Daejeon 305-353, Republic of Korea. shjeong2@kaeri.re.kr
A new electron cyclotron emission diagnostics system was installed on the KSTAR tokamak. This system successfully measured electron temperatures and observed sawtooth phenomena during recent operations.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Fusion energy research
- Diagnostic instrumentation
Background:
- The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) facility requires advanced diagnostics for plasma characterization.
- Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) is a crucial technique for measuring electron temperature in tokamaks.
- Previous ECE systems may have limitations in spatial resolution or frequency coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the installation and initial performance of a new ECE diagnostics system for the second KSTAR campaign.
- To measure electron temperatures and their radial profiles on the high field side of the KSTAR tokamak.
- To investigate plasma phenomena such as sawtooth oscillations using the new ECE system.
Main Methods:
- Installation of a new ECE diagnostics system, including collecting optics, overmode circular corrugated waveguides, and a 48-channel heterodyne radiometer.
- Operation within the 110-162 GHz frequency range.
- Data acquisition during 2 Tesla (T) operation of the KSTAR tokamak.
- Analysis of electron temperature profiles and sawtooth phenomena.
- Evaluation of in situ calibration methods, including the effect of the window.
Main Results:
- The new ECE system was successfully installed and operated during the second KSTAR campaign.
- Electron temperatures and their radial profiles were measured at the high field side.
- Sawtooth phenomena were successfully observed, providing insights into plasma dynamics.
- The impact of the window on in situ calibration procedures was analyzed.
Conclusions:
- The newly installed ECE diagnostics system is effective for measuring electron temperature profiles and observing plasma phenomena in KSTAR.
- The system's performance enables detailed studies of plasma behavior, including sawtooth instabilities.
- Further analysis of calibration effects will improve the accuracy of future ECE measurements.
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