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DIII-D Experimental Science Program

Near-term research aims to:

• Enable the success of ITER by providing physics solutions to key physics issues
• Develop the physics basis for steady-state operation in ITER and beyond
• Advance the fundamental understanding of fusion plasmas along a broad front

ITER Physics

This group is responsible for providing physics solutions to key design and operational issues for ITER. Near-term activities of the group include suppression/control of limiting instabilitites such as neoclassical tearing modes and ELMs; development of solutions for hydrogenic retention in plasma facing surfaces; and disruption characterization and mitigation. This group is also responsible for communicating with he broader international community (e.g., the ITER Physics Team, U.S. BPO, ITPA) on key ITER issues, providing guidance from DIII-D experience, and soliciting input on ongoing ITER needs.

Contact Ted Strait for more information about ITER Physics.

Steady-State Integration

This group is responsible for developing the physics basis for steady-state operation in ITER and future devices. Activities of group include Advanced Tokamak and hybrid scenario research; development of steady-state, high heat flux physics solutions for improved performance plasmas; heating and current drive physics in high performance plasmas; and high beta stability control, including resistive wall mode physics and stabilization.

Contact Tim Luce for more information about Steady-State Integration.

Fusion Science

This group is responsible for the advancement of basic fusion plasma science on DIII-D through test of basic theories, development of new measurement capabilities, and novel ideas. The exploration and understanding of basic fusion science issues related to stability, transport, plasma edge/boundary, and energetic particles are the responsibility of this group.

Contact Craig Petty for more information about Fusion Science.

Integrated Modeling

This group is responsible for the experimental validation of complex theoretical models. In coordination with Theory Group, this group is responsible for the preparation of benchmarked, predictive modeling codes for use by the experimental research staff in the planning and interpretation of DIII-D experiments. In addition, this group isresponsible for motivating and prioritizing the development of data analysis tools for general use by the DIII-D staff in coordination with the Data Analysis Applications Group.

Contact Ron Prater for more information about Integrated Modeling.

Plasma Control and Operations

This group is responsible for developing and deploying state-of-the-art plasma control systems for DIII-D; physics operator support for DIII-D experiments; and usage of the DIII-D Plasma Control system on other devices. Activities of group include control algorithm development, testing, and deployment; physics operator training, scheduling, and support; and plasma control system development for other devices.

Contact Dave Humphreys for more information about Plasma Control and Operations.

Plasma Boundary Interface

This group is responsible for development of an improved understanding of energy and particle transport in the plasma boundary region through tests with applicable theories/models, characterization of the interaction of the plasma with material surfaces, the migration and retention of eroded materials and fuel in those surfaces, and the development of new measurement capabilities for boundary plasma research.

Contact Tony Leonard for more information about Plasma Boundary Interface.

DIII-D Experimental Science Program Contact Information