In the heart of Switzerland, researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in fusion energy research, potentially paving the way for more efficient and commercially viable nuclear fusion power. At the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a team led by Dr. J. Poley-Sanjuán has developed a novel Fast Ion Loss Detector (FILD) that promises to revolutionize our understanding of fast-ion behavior in tokamaks, the doughnut-shaped devices that confine hot plasma for fusion reactions.
The new FILD, installed at the Tokamak à Configuration Variable, is a technological marvel. It features four collimators that allow simultaneous detection of co- and counter-current fast-ion losses in both forward and reverse magnetic fields. This means the detector can handle all magnetic field scenarios and track both positively and negatively charged particles across the full range of operational conditions.
“This detector is a game-changer,” said Dr. Poley-Sanjuán, lead author of the study published in the journal ‘Nuclear Fusion’ (which translates to ‘Nuclear Fusion’ in English). “It provides unprecedented insights into the behavior of fast ions, which are crucial for sustaining fusion reactions.”
The detector’s dual-camera system is particularly impressive. A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera offers high-spatial resolution with a medium-temporal resolution, while a second, discrete chord camera provides medium-spatial resolution with high temporal resolution. Together with a fast scintillator, this system allows velocity-space resolved measurements of fast-ion losses, retaining the signal frequency characteristics.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Understanding fast-ion behavior is key to improving the efficiency and stability of fusion reactions. This new detector could help researchers optimize plasma conditions, reduce energy losses, and ultimately make fusion power a more viable commercial option.
The detector has already been commissioned across all four possible configurations of magnetic field and plasma current polarities. The results show a good agreement between the high-resolution CMOS camera and the fast avalanche photodiodes, with the latter offering microsecond temporal resolution. The scintillator emission was also mapped to velocity-space, showing a clear match between both cameras while retaining the frequency characteristics.
As Dr. Poley-Sanjuán put it, “This technology brings us one step closer to harnessing the power of fusion. It’s not just about understanding the science; it’s about making fusion energy a practical reality.”
The research, published in ‘Nuclear Fusion’, marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable, clean energy. As the world looks for ways to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, fusion power offers a tantalizing prospect. With advancements like this new FILD, we may be on the cusp of a fusion energy revolution. The future of energy could be hotter, cleaner, and more efficient than ever before.