Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Performance optimisation of tokamak operation in ASDEX Upgrade through novel feedback control capabilities

Abstract Optimising the performance of tokamak operation is not only a matter of tuning individual control loops, but needs a holistic approach with a focus on the effective interplay of all control system components. The ASDEX Upgrade Discharge Control System (DCS) has enabled o...

Designing a buildable optimised stellarator to confine electron–positron plasmas

In this paper, the design of the plasma equilibrium and superconducting coils for the electrons and positrons in an optimised stellarator electrons and positrons in an optimized stellarator (EPOS), experiment is presented. With newly developed stellarator optimisation tools, incl...

STAR_Lite: a stellarator designed to experimentally validate non-resonant divertors

The non-resonant divertor (NRD) offers a promising exhaust solution for stellarators, combining topological simplicity with resilience to magnetic field perturbations. To experimentally validate the robustness of NRDs in a quasi-axisymmetric (QA) configuration, we introduce STAR_...

WEST advanced wall protection achievements toward long pulse operation

Abstract Long pulse operation in magnetic fusion devices requires well controlled plasma power exhaust to the divertor & wall, and avoidance of wall hot spots that could evolve in wall damage. At WEST, 10 major plasma facing components are monitored using 10 series of temperature...

Effect of electron cyclotron waves on plasma with runaway electrons

Abstract Runaway electrons generated during tokamak disruptions are a major concern for the safe operation of future fusion devices. The interaction of runaway electrons with waves has been proposed as a potential mechanism for their mitigation. This study investigates the effect...

Evaluation of beam properties using a checkerboard masking configuration at the NNBI test stand BATMAN Upgrade

Negative ion based neutral beam injection (NBI) systems will be used for heating and current drive at the ITER tokamak and require stringent beam quality. Including a beamlet core divergence of less than 7 mrad and high uniformity across individual beamlets (better than 90%), at...

Uncertainties of magnetic equilibrium reconstructions

Abstract Uncertainties of quantities of magnetic equilibrium reconstructions are essential for the validation and quantification of estimated plasma parameters and their uncertainties. The uncertainties of a few equilibrium quantities can be evaluated analytically. A Monte-Carlo...

Fusion at scale: Critical enablers in global energy transitions

Fusion is a promising sustainable energy source that can potentially contribute to achieving the most ambitious climate goals with firm carbon-free baseload electricity. Due to recent advancements, fusion is transitioning from a purely research stage to a pre-commercialisation ph...