25th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference: summary of sessions EX/S, EX/W and ICC

Abstract

This paper provides a summary overview, based on papers presented at the 25th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference (FEC), in the area of magnetic confinement experiments related to stability (EX/S), wave-plasma interactions, current drive, heating, energetic particles (EX/W) and innovative confinement concepts (ICCs). A selection of results that represent progress made since the last FEC in a few important thematic areas that are relevant for the successful and safe operation of future fusion devices like ITER, is highlighted.

Progress regarding magnetic confinement experiments, plasma–materials interactions and plasma performance

“…Different techniques have been reported for the suppression of primary REs and avalanche processes including: (a) critical density control using massive gas injection (Ar, Ne) and pellets allowing RE mitigation by collisions, (b) position control, (c) magnetic perturbations to prevent RE beam formation during the current quench, (d) wave excitation of instabilities affecting RE dynamics. The present ITER strategy addressing these problems is to suppress RE generation before the thermal quench [80].…”