Scientists have found a way to stabilize a red-hot plasma using radio waves

A research group from the University of Pringston has found an original way to stabilize the incandescent plasma inside fusion reactors like tokamak and stallarator and get rid of one of the main problems - the formation of magnetic islets. And it's all thanks to radio frequency waves and temperature.

What is the essence of the problem

Scientists have been trying to create a safe and efficient fusion reactor for quite some time. As is known, tokamak reactors use super-hot plasma, which is twisted into a so-called "donut".

In this case, a particularly powerful magnetic field is used to control the super hot plasma. This keeps the plasma suspended.

And ideally, in such a controlled and overheated plasma donut, the nuclear fusion reaction should take place.

So this ideal operation of the reactor is hampered by one side and very dangerous effect, which is as follows:

In the process of plasma movement in a magnetic field, rather strange bubble-like structures, which are called magnetic islands, begin to form.

And according to a report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which was published back in 1974, these magnetic islands are the result the presence of harmonics of the disturbed magnetic field, which enters a resonance state with unperturbed lines of the surface field at its shift.

So, as soon as such an "island" in some way obstructs the plasma flow, then the tokamak is completely may lose the previously set temperature, and it may take a very long time.

In addition, plasma can damage the internal parts of the reactor itself, which can lead to very difficult and expensive repairs.

And now, after 46 years of research, scientists seem to have found a way out, which is what is concluded.

How radio waves are planning to control magnetic islands

Scientists in the 1980s realized that the treatment of plasma with radio waves excites a current in the plasma that can allow to stabilize the flow and minimize the factors that led to the formation of magnetic islands.

And in 2019, researchers realized how it is possible to enhance the stabilizing effect due to insignificant temperature oscillations that increase the current strength and the amount of radiofrequency energy released, which is released on the formed islands.

And thus prevents their further growth, and temperature jumps also allow stabilizing larger magnetic islands than previously thought.

What will it give in the future

These magnetic islands are a real headache for scientists and if their formation is taken under control, then engineers will take a significant step towards creating a stably operating thermonuclear reactor in future.

We just have to wait and, perhaps, in the very near future we will witness a solution to the energy problem and the launch of stable thermonuclear reactors around the world!

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