Temperature profile perturbations due to magnetic islands in TEXTOR

An experimental investigation into electron temperature profile perturbations due to MHD tearing modes is performed on the TEXTOR tokamak. By means of an ECE diagnostic with a good temporal and radial resolution, m = 1 and m = 2 precursors to sawtooth crashes and major disruptions, respectively, can be studied. The specific temperature perturbations due to a rotating m = 2 magnetic island prior to a disruption have been studied. The phase of the rn = 2 MHD oscillation reverses at the rational q surface. The amplitude distribution of the perturbation has been determined. A frequency analysis of the MHD oscillations on different radial positions close to the rational surface shows an increase of higher harmonics in the frequency spectrum due to the difference in magnetic field topology. Temperature profiles over magnetic islands could be measured. A secondary temperature maximum in the centre of the m = 2 magnetic island has been found. Because of the good radial resolution of the ECE diagnostic an estimate of the island width and the position of the q = 2 surface could be obtained. In one case a movement of the q = 2 surface, due to peaking of the current profile, of more than 7 cm, i.e. 15% of the minor radius, was found. Island widths of w/a = 0.07-0.2 have been observed.