Current status of experimental study and device modifications in JT-60U

Kurihara, Kenichi; JT-60 Team

Since JT-60 is expected to explore more advanced operation scenarios, the discharge pulse length and the duration time of additional NBI/RF heating were extended to 65 s and 30 s/60 s, respectively, in 2003. The experimental campaign in 2003-2004 has ended up with the following significant results: (a) The high bootstrap current ratio of 75 % was sustained for 7.4 s in an R/S plasma. (b) The quasi-steady state beta value was increased to 3.0 for a pulse of 6.2 s with NTM suppression by ECCD, etc. For further exploration toward high performance plasmas, the following modifications have been conducted: (1) To minimize the power loss at the region of toroidal field ripple, the 8Cr ferritic steel tiles are being equipped on the first wall of the vacuum vessel. (2) A new current profile reproduction method will be installed in the plasma control system. In the symposium, the current status of plasma experimental study will be presented together with on-going device modifications in JT-60.