Edge transport barrier phenomena in Alcator C-Mod

Key phenomena controlling the transport barrier in H-mode plasmas on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak are discussed. Type I edge localized modes (ELMs) are not observed. Instead the particle transport barrier is continuously degraded giving rise to 'enhanced D_α,' operation which avoids the deleterious impurity accumulation observed in 'ELM-free' H-modes. The dependence of operational regime on plasma parameters suggests that the instability responsible for barrier degradation is enhanced by higher pressure and longer field-line connection. Detailed analysis of the magnetic structure of fluctuations associated with the different H-mode regimes shows that these field-aligned fluctuations propagate with large perpendicular velocities believed to represent the large velocity shear responsible for barrier formation. In the enhanced D_α, regime the fluctuations are generally more incoherent, but have not otherwise yet shown a specific distinctive character.