Comparison of scrape-off layer profiles in outboard-versus inboard-limited plasmas in Tore Supra

Abstract

In the Tore Supra tokamak, the scrape-off layer profiles of discharges limited either on the inboard or on the outboard side are compared. Inboard-limited discharges are characterized by substantially longer SOL e-folding lengths of ion and electron temperatures and electron density measured near the top of the plasma, providing strong evidence that the ion and electron energy transport across the SOL is enhanced on the outboard side, similar to the particle transport. The parallel heat flux density extrapolated to the last closed flux surface is found to be inversely proportional to its e-folding length in the SOL. The outboard limiters thus receive higher and more peaked heat loads than the inboard limiters. These results are important for the optimization of the plasma start-up scenario and design of the first wall in ITER.