FPN06-66
China Operates Superconducting Tokamak
October 2, 2006
The Institute of Plasma Physics in Hefei, China, has operated the EAST
superconducting tokamak, achieving first plasma on September 26. The
project is an international collaboration between the Chinese Institute,
General Atomics and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Chinese officials
stated that EAST "will be a unique facility to explore some critical issues
relating to steady-state operation with shaped plasma cross-section in the
next few years." Although the first tests lasted only a few seconds, the
device is designed to produce plasmas lasting about 1000 seconds.
More details are posted at http://fire.pppl.gov
The World's leading fusion scientists will gather in China October 16-22
for the 21st IAEA Fusion Energy Conference.