PFIRSCH-SCHLUTER EFFECT ON DIVERTOR BIASING

Current flow in the scrape-off layer is examined in the situation where the divertor plates are subjected to a voltage bias. It is found that the maximum current extracted from the plates, normally the ion saturation current, is enhanced by the effect of the Pfirsch-Schluter current being in contact with the plates. The renders the control of particle transport at the plasma edge by divertor plate biasing more effective.