Significant changes in the edge localized mode (ELM) crash heat load deposition patterns compared to typical ELMs are seen via infra-red observations during resonant magnetic perturbation experiments at the Joint European Torus (JET). These modifications result from the changed magnetic topology of the plasma, caused by the perturbations. Dependences on the perturbation strength and the edge safety factor are analysed and discussed. A thermoelectric current model shows that current filaments in the plasma edge could explain the observations. This study gives an insight into how the changed magnetic topology affects the peak heat fluxes of ELMs which is crucial for understanding ELM control.
Understanding the effect resonant magnetic perturbations have on ELMs