Observation of Radial Propagation of Electrostatic Fluctuations in Edge Plasma of the Sino United Spherical Tokamak

Radial propagation of electrostatic fluctuations in the edge plasma of Sino-United Spherical Tokamak (SUNIST) has been measured using Langmuir probes. The propagation characteristics of the floating potential fluctuations are analysed by the two-point correlation technique. The results show radially outward propagation of the turbulent fluctuations at all measured radial positions. The power-average wavenumber profile is approximately constant in plasma edge region and suddenly increases to the limiter. These results are in good agreement with the model predictions proposed by Mattor which suggests that the drift wave propagation may be a source of edge turbulence.