An energy confinement study of the MST [Madison Symmetric Torus] reversed field pinch using a Thomson scattering diagnostic

Thomson scattering measurements of the central electron temperature and density during the plasma current peak have been performed on the MST Reversed Field Pinch (RFP). This Thomson scattering diagnostic was calibrated for absolute electron density measurements. These measurements of Te and ne, when combined with profile assumptions, were used to calculate estimates of energy confinement time (τE) and poloidal beta (βθ). A standard discharge with Ip ∼ 400 kA, F ∼ -0.1, and θ ∼ 1.6 typically exhibited Te ∼ 275 eV, ne ∼ 2.0 x 1013 cm-3, τE ≤ 1 ms, and βθ ≤ 8%. The results of a limited plasma current scaling study did not indicate a strong scaling of Te or τE with Ip. The Thomson scattering diagnostic was used in conjunction with a bolometer, VUV radiation monitor, and edge magnetic coils to study the loss of energy from the plasma. Results indicate that thermal transport from stochastic magnetic fields, particle loss, and radiation are important energy loss processes. The experiments done for this study included an F-scan, a paddle limiter insertion series, and an argon doping series. The plasma maintained a constant βτ during these perturbation experiments, suggesting that increases in one energy loss channel are compensated by drops in other channels and increases in input power to the plasma