Role of molecular effects in divertor plasma recombination

Abstract

Molecule-Activated Recombination (MAR) effect is re-considered in view of divertor plasma conditions. A strong isotopic effect is demonstrated. In deuterium plasmas, the reaction chain through D2+ formation, usually considered dominant and included in 2D edge plasma models, is negligible. However, in this case the other branch, through D−, usually neglected in modelling, becomes relatively strong. The overall share of MAR in divertor plasma recycling stays within 20%. The operational parameters of the divertor plasmas, such as the peak power loading on the divertor targets or the pressure limit for partial detachment of the divertor plasma, are insensitive to the presence of MAR, although the latter may be important for correct interpretation of the divertor diagnostics.