The new technique for efficient heating fusion plasmas using radiofrequency waves developed by the Laboratory for Plasma Physics (LPP-ERM/KMS) and published in Nature Physics is continuously bearing new fruits. The next paper by LPP/ERM-KMS, again in Nature Physics, is yet another demonstration of their scientific excellence.
In a set of dedicated experiments - under direction of Yevgen Kazakov and Jef Ongena - on the world-largest fusion facility, the Joint European Torus (JET), the scientists of LPP-ERM/KMS, studied the complex impact on the plasma of a large number of highly energetic ions, mimicking the impact of alpha particles in a fusion reactor. Their innovative experimental technique was essential to test for the first time theoretical predictions for such plasmas. Indeed, a flurry of instabilities were generated by the fast ions, as predicted by theory. Contrary to original expectations, their impact was not as detrimental as feared, and much larger ion temperatures were achieved in these JET plasmas. The experimental observations are supported by state-of-the-art numerical simulations, initiated in a close collaboration between LPP-ERM/KMS and several international institutions from all over the world, in particular CEA-Cadarache.
These new results are just the foreshadow of even more exciting times to come when ITER will start to explore burning plasma physics on the path towards the practical realization of fusion as a clean and safe energy source.
Happy faces in the control room of the 'Joint European Torus' (JET).