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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.
J.D Broesch, W.A Peebles, P. Prybyl, R.T. Snider
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 1152-1156
Plasma Diagnostics | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963401
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
CO2 pumped FIR (Far Infrared) lasers have a number of valuable uses in the diagnostics arena of fusion research. To maintain lasing, the tuning of the two lasers must be tightly coupled. This coupling presents interesting control problems. A number of analog approaches have been employed to implement tightly coupled tuning control. Such implementations, however, suffer from a lack of flexibility. A new digital controller has been developed that greatly increases the range of control strategies that may be implemented. Of further interest is the controller's capability to provide 96dB of dynamic range when driving −200V piezoelectric transducers. This paper will discuss the algorithms and hardware used in this controller. Lessons learned from the development effort will presented.