Improved Confinement Mode in Reversed-Field Pinch Plasmas

Abstract

The improved confinement has been recently observed in reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasmas using the pulsed poloidal current drive (PPCD) technique. The record highest τ_E =10 ms in RFP, has been achieved in the Madison Symmetric Torus using PPCD. The article explains general characteristics of RFP configuration, present status of confinement properties in RFPs under the standard operating conditions, and the principle and the main results of the PPCD experiments in RFPs. The improved confinement observed in PPCD provides a hint to obtain confinement improvement in magnetic confined fusion plasmas.