Approaching detachment in I-mode-response of core confinement and the edge pedestal in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak

Experiments on nitrogen assisted divertor detachment in the improved energy confinement mode (I-mode) are reported from the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. When nitrogen is introduced into the divertor and radiation losses cool the divertor plasma down, a loss of core confinement is observed, concomitant with an increase in low frequency edge fluctuation levels. The loss in confinement can be compensated and the I-mode can be maintained by additional heating power input. Detachment of the inner divertor leg has been observed for the first time in an I-mode discharge. The outer divertor leg remains attached in these experiments. Good energy confinement properties (H-98(y, 2) = 0.9) during the detachment of the inner divertor leg are reported.

Automated summary

Experiments on nitrogen assisted divertor detachment in the improved energy confinement mode (I-mode) show that introducing nitrogen leads to cooling of the divertor plasma, resulting in a loss of core confinement and an increase in low frequency edge fluctuation levels. Additional heating power input can compensate for the loss in confinement and maintain the I-mode. Good energy confinement properties are reported during the detachment of the inner divertor leg in these experiments.