Photo Story

In Pictures: A global tour of cutting-edge Tokamak reactors

Join us on a photo-driven journey into the heart of tokamak research.

Published: Mar 31, 2024 03:08 PM EST

5 months ago

The reaction chamber of the DIII-D, an experimental tokamak fusion reactor operated by General Atomics in San Diego, which has been used in research since it was completed in the late 1980s.

Wikimedia Commons

Fusion energy promises a virtually limitless, clean energy source. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atomic nuclei, fusion replicates the process powering the sun, combining atoms to release vast amounts of power. At the forefront of this pursuit are tokamaks – experimental reactors meticulously designed to achieve and study the extraordinarily hot plasma needed for fusion.

Scientists across the globe are pushing the boundaries of fusion research. From the vast ITER project in France to smaller, focused experiments in the US, China, Europe, and beyond, researchers tirelessly explore innovative approaches to make fusion a reality. Join us on a photo-driven journey into the heart of tokamak research!

1/10
ASDEX Upgrade: A Testbed for Fusion Power
The Axially Symmetric Divertor Experiment (ASDEX) Upgrade in Germany acts as a vital stepping stone towards large-scale fusion power plants like ITER and DEMO. Its tungsten-clad walls mimic those envisioned for future reactors. ASDEX Upgrade offers three plasma heating methods – neutral particle injection, radiofrequency, and microwave – allowing researchers to refine techniques for controlling the hot, dense plasma needed for sustained fusion reactions.
2/10
COMPASS-U: A High-Power Test in the Czech Republic
The Czech Academy of Sciences' COMPASS-U, a medium-sized, high-field tokamak, is set to make waves in the fusion community when it's completed in 2025. The US's renowned Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) is designing critical in-vessel magnetic diagnostics for this reactor. COMPASS-U's experiments will shed light on the behavior of fusion plasma, providing invaluable data for the success of ITER and future power plants.
3/10
DIII-D: Optimizing the Advanced Tokamak Path
The DIII-D in San Diego, California, drives the exploration of the Advanced Tokamak (AT) path. The AT seeks to establish the tokamak concept as a viable route for steady-state fusion power generation. PPPL plays a significant role in the DIII-D program, contributing expertise in experiments, fusion theory, engineering, and facility operations.
4/10
EAST: Superconducting Fusion in China
China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) operates in Hefei. Since 2006, it's been pushing the limits of long-pulse superconducting tokamak technology. Notably, EAST is equipped with ITER-relevant heating and current-drive systems, making it a vital testing ground for future fusion reactor components.
5/10
ITER: The Global Fusion Megaproject
ITER, the world's largest fusion experiment, is a testament to international collaboration. Located in France and built by China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the US, ITER is a massive research undertaking. PPPL brings considerable expertise to the table, designing diagnostics, software, and scientific data tools. This project isn't just about physics; it's about proving the feasibility of fusion power.
6/10
JT-60SA: Japan's Fusion Frontier
T-60SA in Naka, Japan, is a key player in the "Broader Approach Agreement," an international effort alongside ITER to accelerate fusion power research. As a joint project between Japan and Europe, JT-60SA's goals include tackling crucial physics questions and optimizing operational strategies for future power plants. PPPL brings its advanced diagnostic prowess to the project with an X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer that will reveal critical insights into JT-60SA's fiery plasma.
7/10
KSTAR: South Korean Superconducting Research
KSTAR, the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research facility, is a significant part of South Korea's contributions to global fusion efforts, including ITER. This innovative device is dedicated to exploring the nuances of magnetic fusion energy and providing vital insights for the success of future reactors.
8/10
LTX-β, MAST-U, NSTX-U
The US and UK are driving fusion innovation with smaller, specialized reactors. Princeton Plasma Physics Lab's upgraded Lithium Tokamak Experiment-Beta (LTX-β) explores liquid lithium wall coatings for plasma heat management and protection. The Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak-Upgrade (MAST-U) in the UK investigates plasma behavior in the compact spherical tokamak design. At PPPL, the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) tests the limits and potential of the low-aspect-ratio spherical tokamak design.
9/10
SMART, SPARC, ST40
Exciting developments are happening on multiple fronts. The SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART) in Spain explores low-aspect-ratio plasma with negative triangularity, a potentially stabilizing configuration. SPARC, a MIT/Commonwealth Fusion Systems collaboration, aims for compact, net-positive fusion power. PPPL contributes to SPARC through divertor heat flux modeling. Tokamak Energy's ST40, a private-sector tokamak in the UK, has notably achieved ultra-high fusion-relevant temperatures and utilizes PPPL's TRANSP predictive software.
10/10
WEST
France's WEST (W Environment in Steady-State Tokamak) explores a full-tungsten interior and superconducting magnets – a design mirroring ITER. WEST is a vital ITER proving ground. Notably, PPPL's impurity powder dropper injects materials into the tokamak to manage plasma impurities without needing to shut down the reactor, highlighting their contributions to operational efficiency.