FPN06-14

University of Tokyo Explores New Fusion Approach

February 10, 2006

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have started experiments to explore a new concept of plasma confinement. The experiment RT-1 (Ring Trap 1) achieved first plasma experiment on January 12, 2006.

The scientists said, "This is a novel plasma device constructed to explore ways to the advanced-fuel fusion. The mechanism of plasma confinement is based on the concept of high-beta relaxed state that is self-organized in a flowing plasma."

A super-conducting ring, levitated in the vacuum chamber, produces a magnetic field that traps high-temperature plasma, creating a magnetosphere-like configuration. The plasma is produced by Electron Cyclotron Heating with 8.2GHz microwave.

More detailed information can be found at: http://www.ppl.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/RT1news/rt1.html.

Contact:
Professor Zensho Yoshida
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences
University of Tokyo
Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, JAPAN
yoshida@k.u-tokyo.ac.jp