Overview of the FTU results

An overview of the Frascati tokamak upgrade (FTU) results during the period 2000–2002 is presented. Long duration internal transport barriers (ITBs) have been obtained on FTU with combined injection of lower hybrid (LH) and electron cyclotron (EC) waves in 5 T/0.5 MA discharges. The ITB phase lasts about 10 energy confinement times and is characterized by an energy confinement time up to 1.6 times the ITER97 L-mode scaling. Temperatures up to 11 keV are measured at 0.9 × 10 20 m −3 central density. ITB studies using IBW injection have also been continued up to 8 T/0.8 MA. The LH system has operated at full power allowing us to complete the current drive (CD) studies at ITER-relevant densities. At these density values the electrons and ions are coupled and an increase in the ion temperature is clearly observed. A preliminary sign of enhanced CD efficiency has been obtained in the combined injection of EC and LH waves at magnetic field values lower than the resonant field for thermal EC absorption. Pellet optimization studies have been performed in order to test the conditions under which a quasi-steady-state confinement improvement can be obtained and impurity accumulation can be avoided. The confinement time in Ohmic discharges is generally in agreement with the ITER97 L-mode scaling. Transient confinement improvement is observed for a duration less than one energy confinement time. Radiation improved mode studies have been started thanks to the recently inserted boronization system, which has allowed reduction of the radiated power. Confinement improvement with neon injection has been observed in 6 T/0.9 MA discharges. Transport studies on profile stiffness and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) studies of fast reconnection and snakes will also be presented.