Successful operation of plasma position control system using microwave reflectometry
IPFN researchers have demonstrated for the first time that position control of a fusion plasma can be performed using electromagnetic waves launched and received by a microwave reflectometry system based on the radar principle. The breakthrough experiment was performed at the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) tokamak, at the Max Planck Institut für Plasma Physik-IPP, Germany.
The development of this technique is essential for ITER long pulse operation. In the AUG experiments, which were performed in ITER relevant regimes (ELMy H modes), the position of the AUG plasma was controlled by reflectometry. It was also demonstrated the feasibility of switching from magnetic diagnostics (standard input for plasma position control in present machines) to reflectometry, acting as unique sensor for plasma position control.
The AUG reflectometry diagnostic as well as its dedicated real time data acquisition and data processing (both hardware and software) systems were developed and operated by IPFN staff. The AUG control team was responsible for the interface between the real time reflectometry signals and the AUG control actuators.
The present results increase the possibilities of the IPFN Microwave Reflectometry Group to lead the winning European consortium for the tender issued by Fusion for Energy regarding the development of the ITER Plasma Position Reflectometers.
Additional information can be found at the latest ITER newsline ("ASDEX: new approach to plasma position control").
For further questions, please contact:
Prof. Maria Emília Manso
Tel: 21 841 7696 - E-mail: emilia@ipfn.ist.utl.pt
