Sustained stabilization of the n=1 kink mode by plasma rotation at beta approaching twice the stability limit calculated without a wall has been achieved in DIII-D by a combination of error field reduction and sufficient rotation drive. Previous experiments have transiently exceeded the no-wall beta limit. However, demonstration of sustained rotational stabilization has remained elusive because the rotation has been found to decay whenever the plasma is wall stabilized. Recent theory [Boozer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 5059 (2001)] predicts a resonant response to error fields in a plasma approaching marginal stability to a low-n kink mode. Enhancement of magnetic nonaxisymmetry in the plasma leads to strong damping of the toroidal rotation, precisely in the high-beta regime where it is needed for stabilization. This resonant response, or “error field amplification” is demonstrated in DIII-D experiments: applied n=1 radial fields cause enhanced plasma response and strong rotation damping at beta above the no wall limit but have little effect at lower beta. The discovery of an error field amplification has led to sustained operation above the no-wall limit through improved magnetic field symmetrization using an external coil set. The required symmetrization is determined both by optimizing the external currents with respect to the plasma rotation and by use of feedback to detect and minimize the plasma response to nonaxisymmetric fields as beta increases. Ideal stability analysis and rotation braking experiments at different beta values show that beta is maintained 50% higher than the no wall stability limit for durations greater than 1 s, and approaches beta twice the no-wall limit in several cases, with steady-state rotation levels. The results suggest that improved magnetic-field symmetry could allow plasmas to be maintained well above no-wall beta limit for as long as sufficient torque is provided.

We have initiated an experimental programme to address some of the questions associated with the operation of a tokamak with high bootstrap current fraction under high performance conditions, without assistance from a transformer. In these discharges, stationary (or slowly improving) conditions are maintained for up to 3.7 s at βN ≈ βp approaching 3.3. The achievable current and pressure are limited by a relaxation oscillation, involving growth and collapse of an internal transport barrier at ρ ≥ 0.6. The pressure gradually increases and the current profile broadens throughout the discharge. Eventually the plasma reaches a more stable, high confinement (H89P ∼ 3) state. Characteristically these plasmas have 65–85% bootstrap current, 15–30% neutral-beam-driven current and 0–10% driven by electron cyclotron frequency electromagnetic waves.

The Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment (SSPX) [E.B. Hooper, et. al., Nuclear Fusion, Vol. 39,No. 7] explores the physics of efficient magnetic field buildup and energy confinement,

There is a pressing need to extend the knowledge on the properties of insect protein fractions to boost their use in the food industry. In this study several techno-functional properties of a black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) protein concentrate (BSFPC) obtained by solubilization and precipitation at pH 4.0–4.3 were investigated and compared with whey protein isolate (WPI), a conventional dairy protein used to stabilize food emulsions. The extraction method applied resulted in a BSFPC with a protein content of 62.44% (Kp factor 5.36) that exhibited comparable or higher values of emulsifying activity and foamability than WPI for the same concentrations, hence, showing the potential for emulsion and foam stabilization. As for the emulsifying properties, the BSFPC (1% and 2%) showed the capacity to stabilize sunflower and lemon oil-in-water emulsions (20%, 30%, and 40% oil fraction) produced by dynamic membranes of tunable pore size (DMTS). It was proved that BSFPC stabilizes sunflower oil-in-water emulsions similarly to WPI, but with a slightly wider droplet size distribution. As for time stability of the sunflower oil emulsions at 25 °C, it was seen that droplet size distribution was maintained for 1% WPI and 2% BSFPC, while for 1% BSFPC there was a slight increase. For lemon oil emulsions, BSFPC showed better emulsifying performance than WPI, which required to be prepared with a pH 7 buffer for lemon oil fractions of 40%, to balance the decrease in the pH caused by the lemon oil water soluble components. The stability of the emulsions was improved when maintained under refrigeration (4 °C) for both BSFPC and WPI. The results of this work point out the feasibility of using BSFPC to stabilize O/W emulsions using a low energy system.

The motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic is unique in its ability to measure the current profile and will be essential in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) for detailed analysis of Advanced Tokamak and other types of discharges. However, design of a MSE diagnostic for ITER presents many unique challenges. Among these is optical analysis for the convoluted optical path, required for effective neutron shielding, that employs several reflective optics arranged to form a labyrinth. The geometry of the diagnostic has been laid out and the expected Doppler shifts and channel resolution calculated. A model of the optical train has also been developed based on the Mueller matrix formalism. Unfolding the pitch angle for this complicated geometry is not straightforward and possible methods are evaluated. The CORSICA code is used to model a variety of ITER discharges including start-up, Ip-ramp, and reverse shear. The code also incorporates a synthetic MSE diagnostic that can be used to evaluate different viewing locations and optimize channel locations for the above discharges. Simulation of the optical emission spectrum is also under way.