The Section for Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy contributes towards the development of fusion energy as a sustainable and environmentally safe energy source. Our main research activities deal with physical and technical aspects of plasmas. Particular emphasis is on plasma turbulence, the associated transport, and fast ion dynamics.
The activities of PPFE directly contribute to the realization of the ITER experimental fusion device. ITER's goal is to demonstrate net energy production by fusion reactions. ITER is presently being constructed in Cadarache, France.
In our research we particularly focus on studies of:
- Transport and turbulence
- Dynamics of energetic ions
in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. To this effect we develop large scale numeric codes to simulate plasma turbulence behaviour in the edge region of fusion devices. This is important to optimize and control the plasma behaviour and plasma power exhaust.
When operating fusion plasmas, energetic ions are expected to dominate the plasma behaviour in the central region of the fusion device. For the experimental characterization of energetic ions we develop and operate the collective Thomson scattering measurement systems.
Both topics are high priority research areas on the way towards a working fusion power plant.
Fast Ion Collective Thomson Scattering
Magnetically confined fusion plasmas contain highly non-thermal populations of fast ions resulting from fusion reactions and plasma heating. Understanding the plasma dynamics involving fast ions is essential for optimizing fusion performance. Ion dynamics are investigated by means of collective Thomson scattering (CTS). The CTS research is focused on:
CTS diagnostics at ASDEX Upgrade and CTS diagnostics at ITER.
Turbulence and Transport in Plasmas
Turbulence is the main player in defining the confinement properties of plasma fusion devices. We develop theoretical models for the fundamental understanding of turbulence and transport and use high performance supercomputers to simulate plasma behaviour. Our results are used in interpreting and enhancing fusion experiments in Europe and worldwide.
The Section for Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy participates in the European coordinated programme for fusion research in close collaboration with other European and international research groups.
To this effect we develop large scale numeric codes to simulate plasma turbulence behaviour in the edge region of fusion devices, notably the HESEL and FELTOR codes.
For more information, visit
PPFE's website.