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Experimental data are presented that indicate the effect of the magnetohydrodynamic tearing mode in the Globus-M spherical tokamak on the occurrence of filamentary structures (filaments). The filaments are recorded by the Doppler backscattering method. The groups of filaments localized in the toroidal direction are discovered, the appearance of which is synchronized with the propagation of the tearing mode. Possible causes of the effect of low-frequency magnetohydrodynamic oscillations on the occurrence of filament groups are considered.

The targeted plasma parameters of the compact spherical tokamak (ST) Globus-M have basically been achieved. The reasons that prevent further extension of the operating space are discussed. The operational limits of Globus-M together with an understanding of the limiting reasons form the basis for defining the design requirements for the next-step, Globus-M2. The recent experimental and theoretical results achieved with Globus-M are discussed, the operational problems and the research programme are summarized and finally, the targeted Globus-M2 parameters are presented. The magnetic field and plasma current in Globus-M2 will be increased to 1?T and 0.5?MA, respectively. The plasma dimensions will remain unchanged. With auxiliary heating at a high average plasma density, the temperatures will be in the keV range and the collisionality parameter with ?*???1 will define the operational conditions. Noninductive current drive will be a major element of the programme. The engineering design issues of Globus-M2 tokamak are discussed and the technical tokamak parameters are confirmed by thermal load and stress analysis simulations. The experimental results obtained on Globus-M2 and the limits of its performance should clarify the feasibility of an ST-based super compact neutron source.