Particle control in the DIII-D advanced divertor

Abstract

A novel, electrically biasable, semiclosed divertor was installed and operated in the DIII-D lower outside divertor location. The semiclosed divertor has yielded static gas pressure buildups in the pumping plenum in excess of 10 mtorr. Electrical bias controls the distribution of particle recycle between the inner and outer divertors by E*B drifts. Depending on sign, bias increases or decreases the plenum gas pressure. Bias greatly reduces the sensitivity of plenum pressure to separatrix position. In particular, E*B drifts in the DIII-D geometry can direct plasma across a divertor target and then optimally into the pumping aperture. Bias, even without active pumping, has also demonstrated a limited control of ELMing H-mode plasma density.<>