In a groundbreaking experiment that could reshape the future of nuclear fusion, researchers at the Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center in China have successfully demonstrated a new method for fueling tokamak reactors. The study, led by Dr. Y. Ye and published in the journal *Nuclear Fusion* (formerly known as *Nuclear Fusion*), marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable, clean energy.
The experiment, conducted at the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), utilized a Compact Torus (CT) plasma injection technique. This method involves injecting high-velocity plasma into the tokamak’s core, a process that has historically been challenging due to the extreme conditions inside these fusion reactors. The CT plasma achieved velocities of nearly 150 kilometers per second, with electron densities of 1.6 × 10^22 cubic meters and particle numbers reaching 1.3 × 10^20.
“What we’ve achieved here is a significant step forward in plasma fueling technology,” said Dr. Ye. “The ability to inject plasma directly into the core of a tokamak opens up new possibilities for improving plasma confinement and stability.”
The CT plasma traversed approximately 1300 millimeters through the drift tube before being successfully injected into the normalized poloidal flux surface at Ψ_N = 0.8–0.85, corresponding to a magnetic field strength of 2.05–2.02 Tesla. This direct injection depth exceeds predictions from empirical formulas and represents the highest magnetic field strength at which CT injection has been demonstrated to date.
Following the direct injection, the CT particles underwent further indirect inward diffusion toward the core region. Density measurements revealed that the CT deposition disrupted the density profile in the core of the tokamak, resulting in a hollow distribution that ultimately evolved into a more peaked density profile. These findings have important implications for improving plasma confinement in tokamaks, a critical factor in achieving sustainable fusion reactions.
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory. As the world seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources, nuclear fusion holds immense promise. The ability to efficiently fuel tokamak reactors could accelerate the development of commercial fusion power plants, providing a virtually limitless source of clean energy.
“This research is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the scientific community,” said Dr. Ye. “It brings us one step closer to realizing the dream of sustainable fusion energy.”
The study’s findings were published in the journal *Nuclear Fusion*, a leading publication in the field of plasma physics and fusion research. As the world watches, the advancements made at EAST could very well shape the future of energy production, offering a glimpse into a future powered by clean, sustainable fusion energy.