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#201
Characterizing the Bremsstrahlung Spatial Distribution on Tokamaks as an Approach to Studying Runaway Electron Dynamics Oral
Alysée Khan (EPFL)
L. Simons, U. Sheikh, J. Decker, TCV Team
SCHEDULED This contribution is scheduled to be presented on Wednesday 4th 11:10-11:30
Abstract
Understanding the behavior of runaway electrons (REs) is essential for mitigating the risks they pose to tokamak operation. Diagnostics must therefore target key physical properties or dynamic behaviors of REs. A common approach involves measuring Bremsstrahlung photons, produced by RE interactions with matter, to extract information about RE properties. Spectral and spatial characteristics combine to provide insight on the RE energy and angle relative to the magnetic field lines. To investigate this spatial dependence, three BGO detectors were designed, calibrated, and installed around the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV). A geometric model of the photon spatial distribution was produced and the respective contributions of thin and thick target Bremsstrahlung photons to the detected signals were evaluated, demonstrating that thick target emissions become increasingly dominant for higher RE radial diffusion. TCV experiments revealed that ionized companion plasmas produce stronger signals and distinct spatial patterns compared to the recombined plasmas explored in benign termination experiments. These findings highlight the diagnostic value of spatially resolved Bremsstrahlung photons measurements for advancing the understanding of RE dynamics.
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