Operational boundaries in Alcator C-mod in agreement with predictions of SepOS
04/16/2025
The Separatrix Operational Space (SepOS) model is shown to predict the L-H transition, the L-mode density limit and the ideal magnetohydrodynamic ballooning limit in terms of separatrix parameters for a wide range of discharge parameters in Alcator-C-Mod plasmas. The SepOS model was developed using the ASDEX Upgrade database. Alcator C-mod is smaller, operates at higher magnetic field strengths and at higher densities. The MIT team was able to show that, despite the very different plasma parameters compared to AUG, the operational limits with SepOS are also predicted reliably for Alcator C-mod. This is a major step forward for the SepOS model. The work was recently published in Nuclear Fusion.
Publication on the transition to drift wave turbulence
04/08/2025
The transitional regime of drift-wave turbulence was also investigated in the magnetized plasma column PANTA. In the transition regime, small changes in the magnetic field strength as a control parameter lead to large changes in the correlation times, indicating the existence of a critical point of an underlying continuous non-equilibrium phase transition. This and the spatio-temporal dynamics show similarities with puff splitting, slug-gap splitting and puff jamming.
The work was recently published in Phys. Rev. E.
Oliver Schmitz as our guest
03/19/2025
Prof. Oliver Schmitz from the University of Wisconsin Madison was our guest and took a look at the labs. We will try to intensify our cooperation on helicon plasmas and investigations on the plasma edge at Wendelstein 7-X. We are grateful for the interesting suggestions and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.
Inference of flow shear from reciprocating plasma potential measurements by means of Gaussian process regression
03/14/2025
Takashi Nishizawa shows in his recent publication in Phys. Plasmas how shear flows can be determined from measurements of the reciprocal plasma potential using Gaussian process regression. This is illustrated with the help of gyrofluid simulations carried out by Peter Manz.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports our project to improve selectivity and energy efficiency in CO₂ splitting
03/10/2025
As part of the state's excellence program 'Application-oriented excellence research', top-level research in the state is being funded. The individual project 'PlaCOs - Plasma Carbon Splitting' by Dr. Fahrenkamp has been successful. This project aims to improve the selectivity and energy efficiency of CO₂ splitting. Cooperation with the INP is planned. We will also develop our helicon discharges in the direction of atmospheric pressure.