Analysis of radiative disruptions in RF-heated Tore Supra plasmas using infrared imaging

Abstract: The precursors and following sequential events leading to radiative disruptions in Tore Supra have been analysed using infrared imaging, together with visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy of impurity species. A common feature observed prior to the disruptions is the appearance of a small (∼cm2) hot spot on the main plasma facing component, the Toroidal Pumped Limiter (TPL), clearly localised in a zone of thick carbon re-deposition (>100μm). A MARFE (Multifaceted Asymmetric Radiation From the Edge) is often triggered, followed by disruption. Such hot spots have been observed in ∼24% of the analysed disruptions, which is consistent with the fact that only 4/18 (22%) of the total area of the TPL is monitored with infrared cameras. These results suggest that over-heating of thick carbon re-deposition layers may play a role in the operational limits (MARFE, disruption) encountered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]