Progress in modelling the scrape-off layer in stellarators

07/26/2026

EMC3-Eirene is the primary tool for describing transport in the scrape-off layer in stellarators. Unfortunately, EMC3-Eirene cannot describe drifts satisfactorily. In this study, Tobias Tork presents progress towards incorporating drifts, based on BOUT++, into the modelling of the scrape-off layer in stellarators. The results were published in Contributions to Plasma Physics.   

Study on the effects of plasma and neutral particle transport on the pedestal at the transition between EDA and ELMy H-modes in Alcator C-Mod published

07/15/2026

The ELMy H-mode and EDA H-mode regimes in Alcator C-Mod were investigated, with a focus on the pedestal structure, neutral particle transport and fluctuations. The high-density EDA H-mode regime is dependent on neutral particles, whilst the ELMy H-mode regime is less influenced by neutral sources. Pedestal density models, in particular the Saarelma–Connor model, are validated, with improvements made through RBM transport channels. Predictions for ELM-free SPARC operating regimes can be made based on these findings. 
The results were published in Nuclear Fusion.

Tiano left the group

06/30/2026

Sebastian “Tiano” Haag has been a technician in our research group since May 2022. He played a key role in the reconstruction and recommissioning of the VINETA experiment. He has supported us with all our work in the laboratory. Particularly noteworthy is the development and construction of a control cabinet for our planned small tokamak experiment and the axial movement unit for VINETA. He has done a truly outstanding job. We will miss him very much. All the best.

 

Mini-stellarator at Science Day in Greifswald

06/27/2026

At Science Day, Peter Manz, Franz Bronold and Sebastian Haag demonstrated how extremely hot gas (plasma) can be confined without contact by complex magnetic fields. The mini-stellarator makes the fundamentals of magnetic plasma confinement tangible for young and old alike. Unlike its larger counterpart, the Wendelstein 7-X, the mini-stellarator is designed to be handled directly. Science Day was a resounding success for us. We were delighted to welcome everyone who visited us on Saturday.  
The mini-stellarator was developed and built at the IPP; we would like to thank the IPP for the donation.