Development of automatic data extraction technique from visible CCD images for in-vessel dust study in Tore Supra

Abstract

In-vessel dusts will be an important issue in next generation fusion devices. They affect not only plasma operations but also safety limits. A new image processing technique for in-vessel dust research is developed in Tore Supra (TS). This paper describes the image processing technique for in-vessel dust study based on simple standard image processing techniques. The technique is intended to use visible standard RGB CCD cameras at a standard frame rate already installed in TS. Studying the traces of straight line-like dust trajectories appearing in the CCD images during the plasma shots, the temporal evolution and the spatial locations of dust creation events (DCEs) can be monitored. Building a database of DCEs, information on the short/long term behavior of in-vessel dusts are obtained. Analyzing the database, statistics on DCEs can be found. Finally, DCEs during 22 ohmic discharges in 2006 CIMES campaign in TS are illustrated as an example.