EFDA-JET-CP(02)05/14

Overview of JET Results, Near Term Plans

In preparation of ITER operation the JET programme has been focussed to consolidate the ITER reference scenario, the ELMy H-mode, and furthermore to mature the Advanced Tokamak Scenarios, candidate for steady state operation on ITER. In type-I ELMy H-modes simultaneously high confinement (fH98~1) and high densities (n/nGW >0.85) were achieved in stationary conditions by several techniques: (a) increasing plasma triangularity (close to ITER values), (b) argon seeding and (c) periodic pellet fuelling. Techniques for controlling high-pressure operation (control of Neoclassical Tearing Modes) and improving amelioration of transient divertor heat loads due to ELMs have been elaborated. In Advanced Tokamak Scenarios the improvement of LHCD coupling to the plasma led to reversed shear plasmas, providing reliable access to strong Internal Transport barriers (ITBs) at lower auxiliary heating powers. The successful development of real-time feedback schemes allowed ITBs to be controlled in steady state conditions (7.5 seconds, 27 x tE). In particular the capability to control both the pressure and current profiles has been demonstrated. Studies related to in-vessel material migration have been further extended, in particular with a new quartz-micro balance diagnostic, further tile analysis and an experimental campaign in helium. This led to new insights, underlining the importance of carbon erosion in the main chamber and chemical erosion in the inner divertor on JET. Altogether this might enable the control of Tritium co-deposition. Detritiation technologies are being developed which could find application on ITER. Enhancements of the facility are undertaken, in view of further extending the operational range closer to ITER, thereby supporting the optimization of ITER operating scenarios and of ITER auxiliaries.