Validation of neoclassical bootstrap current models in the edge of an H-mode plasma -: art. no. 235005

Analysis of the parallel electric field E-parallel to evolution following an L-H transition in the DIII-D tokamak indicates the generation of a large negative pulse near the edge which propagates inward, indicative of the generation of a noninductive edge current. Modeling indicates that the observed E-parallel to evolution is consistent with a narrow current density peak generated in the plasma edge. Very good quantitative agreement is found between the measured E-parallel to evolution and that expected from neoclassical theory predictions of the bootstrap current.