3-D Density Measurements for the ITER Disruption Mitigation Test Stand and NCSX

Magnetic Fusion Energy holds out the hope of supplying clean energy to the world and eliminating the causes of global warming. While research to date has shown with high probability that an ignited magnetic fusion device can be built (e.g., the ITER Project), present research is focused on making fusion reactors more practical devices. Improving confinement and fueling in magnetic fusion devices can significantly improve the practicality of reactors by making them smaller, and easier to ignite and maintain. A digital holographic imaging device to provide 3D density, particle transport, and fueling data at high speed and high spatial resolution would make it possible to study and understand both transport and fueling with greatly increased resolution over current methods. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of this diagnostic tool. Additionally, a complete first-order design for the full diagnostic proposed for Phase II (exactly similar to the Phase I design) was completed in Phase I. The Phase II project will develop a full infrared (CO2) laser digital holography system for installation on the LTX compact Tokamak fusion physics research device at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful development of this infrared digital holography system for fusion energy plasma diagnostics can lead to improved commercial magnetic fusion energy generation. Additionally, the development could result in the commercialization of unique measurement systems in a number of electronics and manufacturing industries.