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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.
C. J. Lasnier, S. L. Allen, J. A. Boedo, M. Groth, N. H. Brooks, A. McLean, B. LaBombard, C. H. Skinner, D. L. Rudakov, W. P. West, C. P. C. Wong
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 53 | Number 2 | February 2008 | Pages 640-666
Technical Paper | Plasma Diagnostics for Magnetic Fusion Research | doi.org/10.13182/FST08-A1682
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this chapter we review numerous diagnostics capable of measurements at or near the first wall, many of which contribute information useful for safe operation of a tokamak. Infrared cameras, visible and vacuum ultraviolet cameras, pressure gauges and residual gas analyzers, thermocouples, and erosion and deposition measurements by insertable probes, quartz microbalances, and a rather extensive review of Langmuir probes are discussed. Also discussed are dust measurements by electrostatic detectors, laser scattering, visible and infrared cameras, and manual collection of samples after machine opening. In each case the diagnostic is discussed with a view toward application to a burning plasma machine such as ITER.