The configuration of magnetic fields is an essential ingredient of tokamak physics. In modern day devices, the magnetic topology is normally derived from equilibrium codes, which solve the Grad–Shafranov equation with constraints imposed by the available measurements. On JET, the main code used for this purpose is EFIT and the more commonly used diagnostics are external pick-up coils. Both the code and the measurements present worse performance during edge localized modes (ELMs). To quantify this aspect, various statistical indicators, based on the values of the residuals and their probability distribution, are defined and calculated. They all show that the quality of EFIT reconstructions is clearly better in the absence of ELMs. To investigate the possible causes of the detrimental effects of ELMs on the reconstruction, the pick-up coils are characterized individually and both the spatial distribution and time behaviour of their residuals are analysed in detail. The coils with a faster time response are the ones reproduced less well by EFIT. The constraints of current and pressure at the separatrix are also varied but the effects of such modifications do not result in decisive improvements in the quality of the reconstructions. The interpretation of this experimental evidence is not absolutely compelling but strongly indicative of deficiencies in the physics model on which the JET reconstruction code is based.
Magnetics only real-time equilibrium reconstruction on ASDEX Upgrade