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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
D. M. Thomas, G. R. McKee, K. H. Burrell, F. Levinton, E. L. Foley, R. K. Fisher
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 53 | Number 2 | February 2008 | Pages 487-527
Technical Paper | Plasma Diagnostics for Magnetic Fusion Research | doi.org/10.13182/FST08-A1678
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this chapter we discuss the various diagnostic techniques in which active spectroscopy plays a role. The use of an injected neutral beam - either a dedicated diagnostic beam or the main heating beams - to localize and enhance the spectroscopic measurements described in Chap. 5 has been exploited for a number of key physics measurements, in particular detailed profile information on ion parameters, the radial electric field, plasma current density, and turbulent transport. The ability to make these detailed measurements has been a key element in the development of improved plasma performance. The neutral beam techniques have been extended by the use of such beam analogs as laser beams, gas puffs, and pellet injection for specific measurements. In each case we describe the general principle behind the measurement and include several successful examples of their implementation, briefly touching on some of the more important physics results. We conclude with a few remarks about the relevance and requirements of active spectroscopic techniques for future burning plasma experiments.