Characterization of Initial Low-Aspect Ratio RFP Plasmas in “RELAX”

Abstract

A reversed field pinch (RFP) machine with aspect ratio of as low as 2 ( R / a =0.51 m/0.25 m) has been constructed for the experimental study of new RFP regime. Low-aspect ratio RFP plasmas have been produced in a resistive wall vacuum vessel for the first time. Initial results on discharge characteristics of the low-A RFP plasmas are presented. This experiment serves our study on new RFP regime with expected characteristics of simpler MHD dynamic arising from equilibrium profiles with less densely spaced rational surfaces of the dominant modes, which have been revealed by the recent progress in RFP research.