Heavy particle modes and signature of the I-Regime

The recently discovered properties of the I-confinement Regime are explained as resulting from the excitation of a heavy particle mode. The theoretically predicted mode phase velocity in the direction of the electron diamagnetic velocity and the induced confinement of impurities at the edge of the plasma column have been confirmed by the experiments. The direction of the mode phase velocity is consistent with that (opposite) of the spontaneous rotation in the plasma core. The mode is of the “ion-mixing” type, in that it does not produce any electron transport across the fields and it involves significant poloidal magnetic field fluctuations.

► The I-Regime features are explained by the excitation of a “heavy particle” mode. ► Impurity expulsion is the most important trait of this regime and of this mode. ► The predicted phase velocity in the VdeVde direction has been confirmed experimentally. ► The spontaneous rotation direction is consistent with the “accretion theory” of it.