Observation of a new type of self-generated current in magnetized plasmas

Yong-Su Na (), Jaemin Seo, Yoonji Lee, Gyungjin Choi, Minseo Park, Sangjin Park, Sumin Yi, Weixing Wang, Min-Gu Yoo, Minsoo Cha, Beomsu Kim, Young-Ho Lee, Hyunsun Han, Boseong Kim, Chanyoung Lee, SangKyeun Kim, SeongMoo Yang, Cheol-Sik Byun, Hyun-Seok Kim, Jinseok Ko, Woochang Lee and Taik Soo Hahm
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Yong-Su Na: Seoul National University
Jaemin Seo: Seoul National University
Yoonji Lee: Seoul National University
Gyungjin Choi: Seoul National University
Minseo Park: Seoul National University
Sangjin Park: Seoul National University
Sumin Yi: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Weixing Wang: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Min-Gu Yoo: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Minsoo Cha: Seoul National University
Beomsu Kim: Seoul National University
Young-Ho Lee: Seoul National University
Hyunsun Han: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Boseong Kim: Seoul National University
Chanyoung Lee: Seoul National University
SangKyeun Kim: Princeton University
SeongMoo Yang: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Cheol-Sik Byun: Seoul National University
Hyun-Seok Kim: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Jinseok Ko: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Woochang Lee: Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Taik Soo Hahm: Seoul National University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract A tokamak, a torus-shaped nuclear fusion device, needs an electric current in the plasma to produce magnetic field in the poloidal direction for confining fusion plasmas. Plasma current is conventionally generated by electromagnetic induction. However, for a steady-state fusion reactor, minimizing the inductive current is essential to extend the tokamak operating duration. Several non-inductive current drive schemes have been developed for steady-state operations such as radio-frequency waves and neutral beams. However, commercial reactors require minimal use of these external sources to maximize the fusion gain, Q, the ratio of the fusion power to the external power. Apart from these external current drives, a self-generated current, so-called bootstrap current, was predicted theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Here, we reveal another self-generated current that can exist in a tokamak and this has not yet been discussed by present theories. We report conclusive experimental evidence of this self-generated current observed in the KSTAR tokamak.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34092-0

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