DIII-D, advancing fusion science
DIII-D explores a wide range of scientific issues that will help to prepare for °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ operation, including the exploration of the effect that internal stabilization coils have on preventing energy bursts from the plasma edge, the development of high-power microwave transmission line components with low energy losses, and software for controlling the plasma and protecting the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ machine.
Key achievements of the latest campaign, as reported in a from General Atomics, include:
- The demonstration of high performance "diverted negative triangularity" plasma configurations, which alter the shape of the plasma to improve performance and heat dissipation and potentially revolutionize the path to cost-effective fusion energy.
- The deployment of a new radio-frequency wave injection technology known as "helicon current drive" with an innovative antenna that improves the delivery of energy to the plasma, potentially creating a new method for efficiently sustaining plasmas in a more compact and cost-effective manner.
- Significant optimizations to DIII-D's flexible three-dimensional magnetic field configurations, which improved particle confinement and protections for the plasma-facing walls of the machine.
Findings from these and other areas of research will be announced in upcoming scientific journals and conferences.
A number of upgrades—such as a new divertor system and increased current drive capability—are planned to bring DIII-D to higher performance levels and to enable new research to improve plasma control and efficiency.
See the original press release .