Far-Tech, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: High-velocity high-density/mass plasma jets have important applications in magnetic fusion

Description

High-velocity high-density/mass plasma jets have important applications in magnetic fusion research for disruption mitigation, fueling, and driving plasma rotation. The essential potential of C60/C plasma jet, as probe for runaway electrons (REs) interaction with plasma has been envisioned, but no suitable device has been developed and tested in a poof-of-principle experiment. Such a diagnostic probe will be of great aid for a reliable, real-time technique for REs suppression/dissipation, a critical need for fusion reactors like the International Thermonuclear Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). FAR-TECH, Inc. proposes to provide a diagnostic probe for runaway electron beam-plasma interaction using a novel prototype system producing a high-velocity and high-density/mass C60/C plasma jet, accelerated in a plasma gun. The overall objective is to perform a proof-of-principle experiment on a large tokamak such as DIII-D. During Phase I we will investigate the feasibility, from the view point of all of the key physics and engineering issues involved, of a proof-of-principle experiment on DIII-D tokamak, aimed to demonstrate the C60/C nanoparticle plasma jet as a spectroscopy-based active-passive diagnostic probe for RE beam- plasma interaction. We will use semi-analytical physical models and computer simulations. We will set firm grounds for a practical device supporting the development of the disruption mitigation system for ITER. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Plasma jets have many applications in the following areas of fusion plasmas: mitigation of plasma disruptions, core fueling for burning plasma, liner-compressed magnetized target fusion, and driving plasma rotation for improved stability. Thus our tool will have direct impact to the fusion community. The technology and tool developed for diagnosing of runaway electrons and disruption mitigation can be useful to space science and technology, biomedicine, defense and in commercial sectors where application of nanoparticle plasma jets is pursued.