Hyper-Velocity High-Density C60-Fullerene Plasma Jet for Disruption Mitigation

Hyper­velocity and high ­density plasma jets have important applications in magnetic fusion research, with applications in disruption mitigation, fueling, and driving plasma rotation. In particular, a reliable disruption-mitigation technique with real-­time capability is a critical need for future fusion reactors such as the International Thermal Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). This project will develop a tool for the investigation, design, and optimization of high­velocity high-­density plasma jets that are accelerated in a plasma gun for plasma disruption mitigation. Phase I analyzed numerous aspects of the physics problems associated with C60­fullerene plasma jet mass production in a pulsed composite source. These aspects included acceleration in a plasma gun, transport, and penetration in magnetized plasmas. A firm basis for a practical tool for disruption mitigation on tokamak plasmas, including ITER, was thus established. Phase II will involve the design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype pulsed power injector and plasma accelerator for disruption mitigation. The plasma jet will be characterized by test­bed measurements and the device will be prepared for a future proof-­of-­principle experiment on DIII­D. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Plasma jets have many applications with respect to fusion plasmas: mitigation of plasma disruptions, core fueling for burning plasma, liner­-compressed magnetized target fusion, and driving plasma rotation for improved stability. The tool developed for disruption mitigation also should find application in space science and technology, in defense, and in commercial sectors where application of plasma jets is pursued