Extremum-seeking-based fluctuation mitigation by E×B actuation in HELCAT

We investigate active control of fluctuations via manipulation of flow profiles in a magnetized laboratory plasma device (HELCAT). Fluctuations and particle transport are monitored by electrostatic probes, and E×B flow profiles controlled via biased ring electrodes. A non-model-based optimization algorithm is implemented to seek control inputs that minimize a cost function related to the fluctuation amplitude. The algorithm is also able to identify radial poloidal flow profiles associated with specific levels of RMS fluctuations.