Ion temperature measurements in STOR-M boundary plasmas using a retarding field energy analyzer

Abstract

The Retarding Field Energy Analyzer (RFEA, RFA) is a simple and reliable diagnostic technique to measure the ion temperature in the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL) and edge of magnetic fusion devices. Design and operation features of a single-sided (facing the ion down stream side) RFEA for ion temperature measurements in the STOR-M tokamak are described. Its compact size (21 × 15 × 20 mm³) allows RFEA measurements without perturbing plasma significantly. Both ion and electron temperature have been measured by RFEA in the STOR-M tokamak. A method is proposed to correct the effects of ion flow on the ion temperature using the simultaneously measured Mach number. The measured electron temperature is consistent with the previously reported Langmuir probe data. Abnormal behavior of the RFEA has been observed in both ion and electron modes when RFEA is inserted deep into the plasma.