Far-Tech, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: High power, dense plasma jets have important applications in magnetic fusion research incl

Description

High power, dense plasma jets have important applications in magnetic fusion research including disruption mitigation, deep refueling, edge-localized mode (ELM) pacing and driving plasma rotation. Disruption mitigation in particular has been identified as critical to ITER, needed to prevent serious damage during disruptions. Presently no approach has been identified that can meet all requirements for such a system; a reliable disruption mitigation technique with rapid, real-time capability is in critical need. FAR-TECH, Inc. proposes to develop an advanced C60 source module capable of producing an order-of-magnitude higher mass than presently available. The C60 source is a critical component in the C60 plasma jet delivery system for application to disruption mitigation currently being built by FAR-TECH under a DOE Phase II. This C60 source mass increase will enable the system to be directly relevant to DIII-D and represents a significant step in scaling towards ITER. A feasibility study for FAR-TECHs advanced C60 source module will be performed, resulting in a conceptual design to be implemented in Phase II. The study will primarily involve modeling and analysis of the proposed C60 source and its coupling to the coaxial accelerator which will produce the high velocity C60 jet. In addition, we will look into other system enhancements including that of a pre-ionizer for use with the accelerator. 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 plasma jet delivery system will have a direct impact on the fusion community. A system developed for disruption mitigation can be useful to space science and technology, defense and in the commercial sectors where plasma jets are utilized