Atomic beam supported emission spectroscopy is well suited to satisfy the needs of edge diagnostics; in particular, it offers high space- and time resolution and causes almost no perturbation of the plasma. Making use of the species Li, He and H. atomic beams have been developed, in different velocity ranges, by the help of which the most important plasma parameters can be measured. The principles for the measurement of the electron density and temperature profiles of the ion temperature profile and of the radial profiles of highly ionized impurities are explained and the atom sources used at TEXTOR are described. Recent results obtained on TEXTOR for various plasma parameters are presented and critically discussed. We are convinced that plasma turbulence and the two-dimensional character of the plasma edge will be important challenges for the future. Atomic beams may offer solutions only if sufficient efforts are invested into their technical development.
Plasma density measurements with a molecular beam