A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy

A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy

24 April 2024 | S. Ding1,2, A. M. Garofalo1, H. Q. Wang1, D. B. Weisberg1, Z. Y. Li1, X. Jian1, D. Eldon1, B. S. Victor1, A. Mariconda1,3,4, Q. M. Hu5, I. S. Carvalho1, T. Odstrcil1, L. Wang5, A. W. Hyatt1, T. H. Osborne1, X. Z. Gong6, J. P. Qian6, J. Huang5, J. McClenaghan1, C. T. Holcomb2 & J. M. Hanson7
This paper reports the successful demonstration of a high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime, achieving a line-averaged density 20% above the Greenwald density and an energy confinement quality 50% better than standard high-confinement mode. This regime was realized by leveraging high-density gradients in the high-poloidal-beta scenario, which enhanced the suppression of turbulent transport. The experimental results show a stable integration of very low edge transient perturbations with a high normalized density and confinement core. This operating regime supports critical requirements for many fusion reactor designs worldwide and opens a potential avenue for producing economically attractive fusion energy. The study also highlights the importance of α-stabilization in achieving low turbulent transport at high density and the role of high-q values and high β in maintaining this regime. Additionally, the paper discusses the compatibility of this scenario with divertor detachment, which is crucial for achieving steady-state plasma-wall interactions in future fusion pilot plants.This paper reports the successful demonstration of a high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime, achieving a line-averaged density 20% above the Greenwald density and an energy confinement quality 50% better than standard high-confinement mode. This regime was realized by leveraging high-density gradients in the high-poloidal-beta scenario, which enhanced the suppression of turbulent transport. The experimental results show a stable integration of very low edge transient perturbations with a high normalized density and confinement core. This operating regime supports critical requirements for many fusion reactor designs worldwide and opens a potential avenue for producing economically attractive fusion energy. The study also highlights the importance of α-stabilization in achieving low turbulent transport at high density and the role of high-q values and high β in maintaining this regime. Additionally, the paper discusses the compatibility of this scenario with divertor detachment, which is crucial for achieving steady-state plasma-wall interactions in future fusion pilot plants.
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Understanding A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy