Suppression of Edge Localized Modes in ITER Baseline Scenario in EAST using Edge Localized Magnetic Perturbations

TL;DR

This study demonstrates effective suppression of Edge Localized Modes in the EAST tokamak using high-n magnetic perturbations, maintaining plasma confinement and providing insights into the underlying physics relevant for ITER.

Contribution

First successful application of n=4 RMPs to suppress ELMs in EAST under ITER-like conditions, highlighting the role of high plasma beta in enhancing RMP effectiveness.

Findings

ELMs suppressed at beta_N > 1.8

High plasma beta enhances RMP-driven torque

Suppression achieved without compromising energy confinement

Abstract

We report the suppression of Type-I Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) in the EAST tokamak under ITER baseline conditions using $n = 4$ Resonant Magnetic Perturbations (RMPs), while maintaining energy confinement. Achieving RMP-ELM suppression requires a normalized plasma beta ($\beta_N$) exceeding 1.8 in a target plasma with $q_{95}\approx 3.1$ and tungsten divertors. Quasi-linear modeling shows high plasma beta enhances RMP-driven neoclassical toroidal viscosity torque, reducing field penetration thresholds. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of high $n$ RMPs for ELM suppression in ITER.