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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.
T. Saito, Y. Tatematsu, Y. Imaizumi, E. Tsuda, T. Yasuoka, M. Ichimura, K. Ishii, I. Katanuma, K. Yatsu
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 43 | Number 1 | January 2003 | Pages 167-171
Transport and Confinement | doi.org/10.13182/FST03-A11963586
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
For understanding of the plug potential generation in a tandem mirror, the potential structure of the whole plasma should be investigated. In particular, the potential structure from the plug-barrier cell to the end plate installed on the end wall of the vacuum vessel has physical import. The fundamental ECRH at the plug region generates an electromotive force by driving the axial flow of electrons. This electromotive force is divided into the positive plug potential and the negative end plate potential. This paper shows the variations of these potential with currents flowing through each region. The end plate potential increases with this current. Analysis of a current carrying sheath is applied to the end plate potential. The plug potential decreases with a radial ion current in the peripheral region of the plug-barrier cell. To illustrate this point, a plasma shot with NBI is examined in which a trapped plasma is generated in the cell.