Impact of 3D magnetic field structure on boundary and divertor plasmas in stellarator/heliotron devices

Abstract This paper overviews recent progress on the experimental identification and physics interpretation of 3D effects of magnetic field geometry on divertor transport. The 3D effects are elucidated as a consequence of competition between transports parallel (||) and perpendicular (⊥) to magnetic field, in open field lines cut by divertor plates, or in magnetic islands. The competition has strong impacts on divertor functions, such as determination of density regime, impurity screening, and detachment control. The effects of magnetic perturbation on the edge electric field and turbulent transport are also discussed. Based on the experiments and numerical simulations, key parameters governing the 3D transport physics for the individual divertor functions, e.g. pumping efficiency through divertor density regime, impurity screening and detachment control, are discussed.