Observations of reduced electron gyroscale fluctuations in national spherical torus experiment H-mode plasmas with large E×B flow shear

Electron gyroscale fluctuation measurements in National Spherical Torus Experiment H-mode plasmas with large toroidal rotation reveal fluctuations consistent with electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence. Large toroidal rotation in National Spherical Torus Experiment plasmas with neutral beam injection generates E×B flow shear rates comparable to ETG linear growth rates. Enhanced fluctuations occur when the electron temperature gradient is marginally stable with respect to the ETG linear critical gradient. Fluctuation amplitudes decrease when the E×B flow shear rate exceeds ETG linear growth rates. The observations indicate that E×B flow shear can be an effective suppression mechanism for ETG turbulence. © 2009 The American Physical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author David R. Smith Electrical and Computer Engineering