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First divertor Thomson scattering measurements on MAST-U
J G Clark1, M D Bowden1, Y Kim2
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|November 1, 2022
Summary
The MAST-U Super-X divertor
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Fusion energy research
- Divertor physics
Background:
- The Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST-U) utilizes a Super-X divertor to manage heat flux and promote plasma detachment.
- Understanding plasma behavior within the divertor is crucial for fusion reactor design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first measurements from the MAST-U divertor Thomson scattering diagnostic.
- To investigate electron density and temperature in attached and detached plasma conditions within the Super-X divertor.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dedicated 30 Hz laser synchronized with the core Thomson scattering system.
- Employed Raman scattering calibration in nitrogen.
- Measured electron density and temperature across various plasma regimes, including near the detachment front.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained electron density measurements ranging from 1 x 10^18 to 5 x 10^19 m^-3.
- Measured electron temperatures down to 0.5 eV, which was critical for observing detachment phenomena.
- Demonstrated improved stray light rejection in the polychromator design, with very low stray light levels observed.
Conclusions:
- The MAST-U divertor Thomson scattering diagnostic is operational and providing valuable data.
- The diagnostic successfully measured key plasma parameters in attached and detached conditions, offering insights into Super-X divertor physics.
- The enhanced polychromator design proved effective in minimizing stray light, ensuring data quality.
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