Magnetic confined plasma for the analysis and monitoring of turbulence

Magnetized plasmas can propagate many kinds of waves. Some of them can be driven unstable by various mechanisms and eventually reach a turbulent state with a broad fluctuation spectrum. Of particular interest are the drift wave instabilities, which occur in tokamaks and in laboratory devices as well. The turbulent state is also characterised by anomalous transport across the magnetic field lines. It is therefore of prime importance to understand the instability mechanisms leading to turbulence and to reduce its effects. Magnetized plasma devices have been specifically designed for this purpose. The aim of the current studies is to understand the spatio-temporal structure of the waves in the non-linear regime, and to develop active methods to control the turbulence. Various examples are given, mainly based on the works done in the machines Mistral (Marseille) and Mirabelle (Nancy). (authors)