Evolution of the current density profile associated with magnetic island formation in JT-60U

Oikawa, Toshihiro; Isayama, Akihiko; Fujita, Takaaki; Suzuki, Takahiro; Tsuda, Takashi; Kurita, Genichi

Evolution of the current density profile associated with the magnetic island formation during a tearing mode was measured for the first time in the JT-60U tokamak. With the island growth, the current density profile turned flat at the radial region of the island, followed by appearance of a hollow structure. As the island shrank, the flat region became narrower, and it finally diminished after disappearance of the island. It was also observed that the local poloidal magnetic field fluctuated in correlation with the island rotation. This indicates that the observed deformation in the current density profile is localized in the O-point of the island. The result is the first experimental demonstration of theoretical predictions on the current density evolution in tearing modes.