Edge-localized mode dynamics and transport in the scrape-off layer of the DIII-D tokamak

High temporal and spatial resolution measurements in the boundary of the DIII-D tokamak show that edge-localized modes (ELMs) are produced in the low field side, are poloidally localized and are composed of fast bursts (similar to 20 to 40 mu s long) of hot, dense plasma on a background of less dense, colder plasma (similar to 5x10(18) m(-3), 50 eV) possibly created by the bursts themselves. The ELMs travel radially in the scrape-off layer (SOL), starting at the separatrix at similar to 450 m/s, and slow down to similar to 150 m/s near the wall, convecting particles and energy to the SOL and walls. The temperature and density in the ELM plasma initially correspond to those at the top of the density pedestal but quickly decay with radius in the SOL. The temperature decay length (similar to 1.2 to 1.5 cm) is much shorter than the density decay length (similar to 3 to 8 cm), and the latter decreases with increasing pedestal (and SOL) density. The local particle and energy flux (assuming T-i=T-e) at the midplane wall during the bursts are 10% to 50% (similar to 1 to 2x10(21) m(-2) s(-1)) and 1% to 2% (similar to 20 to 30 kW/m(2)), respectively, of the LCFS fluxes, indicating that particles are transported radially much more efficiently than heat. Evidence is presented suggesting toroidal rotation of the ELM plasma in the SOL. The ELM plasma density and temperature increase linearly with discharge/pedestal density up to a Greenwald fraction of similar to 0.6, and then decrease resulting in more benign (grassier) ELMs. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.