Study of the effects of neutrals in Alcator C-Mod plasmas (original) (raw)

This research studies the impact of neutral particles on the transition from low to high confinement regimes in Alcator C-Mod plasmas. It highlights the crucial role of neutrals in modifying particle, momentum, and energy balances, particularly during the formation of transport barriers. Experimental diagnostics, including Lyman-alpha measurements, are employed to investigate neutral behaviors that influence plasma stability and confinement quality. Key findings suggest changes in neutral density and ionization rates during transitions significantly affect the H-mode density rise.