FPN19-28

US Scientists Find New Higher Performance Tokamak Operating Mode

July 3, 2019

The tokamak magnetic configuration is the leading concept worldwide for containing the high temperature plasma fusion fuel in the quest for fusion power. The operating conditions, called modes, vary in experiments but the best performance has been found for the so-called "H-mode". Scientists at the DIII-D facility at General Atomics in the US have recently operated in a new higher performance mode they are calling the "Super-H mode". In a June 24 press release they say operating in this mode "could mean a dramatic reduction in the cost and size of future fusion reactors".

A detailed paper has been published in the journal Nuclear Fusion. The full press release can be found at:

http://www.ga.com/recent-breakthrough-on-diii-d-enables-major-step-toward-economical-fusion-energy