Electrostatic fluctuations at the edge of the CT-6B tokamak

Abstract

Langmuir probes and a Mach probe were used for measuring edge fluctuations and parallel plasma flow, respectively, on the CT-6B tokamak. A maximum radial gradient in parallel flow was observed to be located roughly at the maximum Er shear layer (or, namely, the poloidal velocity shear layer). Er shear is found to be very possibly consistent with a regulating effect on edge turbulence features. Non-linear analysis indicates that non-linear phase coupling in turbulence may be influenced by Er shear, or that there exist coherent structures induced by strong Er shear, and the phase coupling processes show an intermittent character. The results provide some new observations for a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of edge turbulence.