Advanced Divertor Concept - RF Divertor

Abstract

The application of radio-frequency (RF) forces to divertor plasma is proposed for the improvement of its relevance to reactors. RF fields are applied at the entrance of closed divertor rooms. Ponderomotive forces sustain high density scrape-off plasma which screens the penetration of neutral atoms into core plasma regions, and create positive electrostatic potential in scrape-off plasma region which suppresses the penetration of impurity ions form divertor rooms. Ponderomotive force for electron is also applied to prevent the upstream flow of cold electrons from divertor rooms to scrape-off regions. Theoretical and numerical studies are summarized. 2 refs., 3 figs.