Work

Optimised stellarators with a positive radial electric field

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We draw attention to an interesting possibility in the design and operation of stellarator fusion reactors, which has hitherto been considered unrealistic under burning-plasma conditions. Thanks to recent advances in stellarator optimisation theory, it appears possible to create a positive (outward-pointing) radial electric field in the plasma core by carefully tailoring the geometry of the magnetic field. This electric field is likely to expel highly charged impurities from the centre of the plasma through neoclassical transport and thus eliminate, or at least mitigate, a long-standing problem in stellarator physics. Further out, the electric field is expected to suddenly change sign from positive to negative, thus creating a region of strongly sheared flow, which could locally suppress turbulent transport and enhance overall energy confinement.

Source: Journal of Plasma Physics

DOI: 10.1017/s0022377824001004

Authors: P. Helander, A.G. Goodman, C.D. Beidler, M.D. Kuczynski, H.M. Smith

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics - Greifswald, Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic confinement fusion research

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450

Funders: Simons Foundation, European Commission