Coherence imaging spectroscopy at Wendelstein 7-X for impurity flow measurements

Abstract

In the last decade, Coherence Imaging Spectroscopy (CIS) has shown distinctive results in measuring ion flow velocities in the edge of magnetically confined plasma devices. Its 2D spatially resolved measurement capabilities and its high optical throughput are ideal for investigating the impurity behavior in the complex 3D magnetic island topology edge of Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X). However, a highly precise and stable calibration method is required for a reliable diagnostic operation. A new level of precision and stability has been achieved for the two CIS systems installed at W7-X with the use of a new calibration source, a continuous tunable laser commercially available only since 2015. A specific prototype model was successfully adapted to the challenging requirements of W7-X, granting high accuracy (±0.01 pm) and flexibility (spectral range: 450-650 nm) in the wavelength calibration required for measuring low-Z impurity ion flow velocities. These features opened up new investigation possibilities on temperature stability and wavelength response of the CIS components, allowing to fully characterize and validate the W7-X systems. The CIS diagnostic was operational throughout the last W7-X experimental campaign. Measured velocities on the order of ∼20-30 km/s were observed, corroborated by comparisons to measurements with Mach probes.

Overview of the results from divertor experiments with attached and detached plasmas at Wendelstein 7-X and their implications for steady-state operation

“…During the previous campaign, the SOL particle parallel flow velocities were monitored with the coherence imaging spectroscopy (CIS) diagnostic [65], a camera-based interferometric system capable of measuring spectroscopic quantities in 2D and deducing from that Doppler particle flows. The CIS measurements are restricted to the C 2+ impurity passive line emission, localized in regions where T e ∼ 10-20 eV, i.e.…”

Experimental confirmation of efficient island divertor operation and successful neoclassical transport optimization in Wendelstein 7-X

“…Detailed two-dimensional patterns of particle flow parallel to the magnetic field have now been measured in the SOL of W7-X using a Coherence Imaging Spectroscopy (CIS) diagnostic [27,28,31,32]. Multiple counter-streaming C 2+ impurity flows are seen -and in most cases closely agree with numerical predictions.…”

First measurements with a Coherence Imaging Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CICERS) diagnostic at Wendelstein 7-X

“…It shares the same plasma view as the toroidal SOL CIS system. For a detailed description of the SOL CIS and plasma light collection system, see [5,12]. Figure 3 shows the different component of both systems.…”