An electrostatic method for controlling diverted particle fluxes in a stellarator has been demonstrated. Potentials applied to a defined set of divertor targets (shields) in contact with diverted flux bundles results in redistribution of plasma flow to any given divertor. Examination of the edge magnetic topology shows that E×B drifts just outside the last-closed magnetic surface account for the alteration of the diverted particle flows.

• Received 17 October 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.62.159