Latest physics results of TJ-II flexible heliac

This paper is devoted to the presentation of the most relevant recent Physics results obtained in the TJ-II flexible heliac. Firstly ECRH modulation and plasma breakdown studies are summarised; then the particle control techniques used to obtain reproducible discharges with density under control are presented. Transport studies show internal heat transport barriers that reduce heat conductivity to neoclassical values, and ELM-like transport events, similar to those observed in tokamaks and in other stellarators before and during H mode transition. Evidence of ExB sheared has been observed both in the proximity of rational surfaces. Finally, a high resolution Thomsom Scattering system has shown Te and ne profile structures

Perturbative transport experiments on TJ-II Flexible Heliac

Transport properties of TJ-II are explored performing perturbative experiments and taking advantage of TJ-II flexibility. Rotational transform can be varied in a wide range, which allows one to introduce low order rationals and to study their effect on transport. On the other hand, confinement properties can be studied at very different rotational transform values and for different values of magnetic shear: Experiments on influence of the magnetic shear on confinement are reported. In these cases a Ohmic current has been induced in TJ-II plasma to modify magnetic shear and to evaluate itsd effect on confinement, showing that negative shear improves the confinement. Heat transport is also reduced by locating a low order rational near the power deposition profile. Plasma potential profiles have been recently measured in some configurations up to the plasma core with the Heavy Ion Beam Probe (HIBP) diagnostic and the electric field values measured in low-density plasmas are consistent with neoclassical calculations near the plasma core. Plasma edge turbulent transport has been studied in configurations that are marginally stable due to decreased magnetic well. Results show a dynamical coupling between gradients and turbulent transport. Finally, cold pulse propagation has been studied showing ballistic non diffusive propagation