Fine Structure Of Type-I Edge-Localized Modes In The Steep Gradient Region

Fast, high resolution multichannel Thomson scattering is used to quantitatively determine plasma perturbations induced by type-I edge-localized modes (ELMs) in the low-field side edge of ASDEX Upgrade H-mode plasmas. 2D snapshots of temperature and density, deduced from the laser light scattered in a vertically elongated, poloidal array of 5x10 scattering volumes, are obtained in the hot, steep edge gradient zone, which is difficult to access by other diagnostics. Local maxima and minima with large amplitude are identified during ELMs and even in the precursor phase, both in density and temperature. Interpreting these structures as footprints of approximately field aligned helical modes in accordance with previous experimental and theoretical work, toroidal mode numbers between 8 and 20 are obtained, roughly consistent with corresponding scrape-off layer and divertor measurements.