Progress of divertor simulation research toward the realization of detached plasma using a large tandem mirror device

This paper describes the results of the experiments performed on Tandem Mirror device GAMMA 10/PDX mainly using a new "divertor simulation experimental module (D-module)" installed on one of the end mirror exits which is specially designed to investigate the physics of plasma detachment. The additional ICRF heating in the anchor-cells, connected to both ends of the central-cell, significantly increases the density in the both cells, which attained the generation of the highest particle flux up to 10(23) particles/s m(2) at the end-mirror exit. H-2 and noble gas injection to enhance the radiation cooling in D-module was performed and a remarkable reduction of the electron temperature (from few tens eV to <3 eV) on the target plate were successfully achieved associated with the strong reduction of particle and heat flux. A significant effect of simultaneous injection with hydrogen and noble gases for detached plasma formation was recognized for the first time. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.