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Transport Processes in the Plasma Edge

Bernhard Unterberg

Fusion Science and Technology / Volume 53 / Number 2T / February 2008 / Pages 229-242

Technical Paper / Edge Physics and Plasma-Wall Interactions / dx.doi.org/10.13182/FST08-A1709

Basic properties of the plasma edge in magnetically confined fusion plasmas are summarized. Starting from the magnetic topology of tokamaks we describe the transport of the scrape-off layer including drifts, the transition to high recycling and detached plasma regimes typical for divertors and the consequences of the electrostatic Debye sheath in front of the plasma facing components. The transport of the fuel neutrals (hydrogen atoms and molecules) is introduced.