Showing papers in "Physics of Plasmas in 2021"

Achieving record hot spot energies with large HDC implosions on NIF in HYBRID-E

Abstract: HYBRID-E is an inertial confinement fusion implosion design that increases energy coupled to the hot spot by increasing the capsule scale in cylindrical hohlraums while operating within the current experimental limits of the National Ignition Facility. HYBRID-E reduces the hohlraum scale at a fixed capsule size compared to previous HYBRID designs, thereby increasing the hohlraum efficiency and energy coupled to the capsule, and uses the cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) to control the implosion symmetry by operating the inner (23° and 30°) and outer (44° and 50°) laser beams at different wavelengths ( Δ λ > 0). Small case to capsule ratio designs can suffer from insufficient drive at the waist of the hohlraum. We show that only a small amount of wavelength separation between the inner and outer beams ( Δ λ 1–2 A) is required to control the symmetry in low-gas-filled hohlraums (0.3 mg/cm3 He) with enough drive at the waist of the hohlraum to symmetrically drive capsules 1180 μm in outer radius. This campaign is the first to use the CBET to control the symmetry in 0.3 mg/cm3 He-filled hohlraums, the lowest gas fill density yet fielded with Δ λ > 0. We find a stronger sensitivity of hot spot P2 in μm per Angstrom (40–50 μm/A wavelength separation) than observed in high-gas-filled hohlraums and previous longer pulse designs that used a hohlraum gas fill density of 0.6 mg/cm3. There is currently no indication of transfer roll-off with increasing Δ λ, indicating that even longer pulses or larger capsules could be driven using the CBET in cylindrical hohlraums. We show that the radiation flux symmetry is well controlled during the foot of the pulse, and that the entire implosion can be tuned symmetrically in the presence of the CBET in this system, with low levels of laser backscatter out of the hohlraum and low levels of hot electron production from intense laser–plasma interactions. Radiation hydrodynamic simulations can accurately represent the early shock symmetry and be used as a design tool, but cannot predict the late-time radiation flux symmetry during the peak of the pulse, and semi-empirical models are used to design the experiments. Deuterium–tritium (DT)-layered tests of 1100 μm inner radius implosions showed performance close to expectations from simulations at velocities up to ∼360 km/s, and record yields at this velocity, when increasing the DT fuel layer thickness to mitigate hydrodynamic mixing of the ablator into the hot spot as a result of defects in the ablator. However, when the implosion velocity was increased, mixing due to these defects impacted performance. The ratio of measured to simulated yield for these experiments was directly correlated with the level of observed mixing. These simulations suggest that reducing the mixing, e.g., by improving the capsule defects, could result in higher performance. In addition, future experiments are planned to reduce the coast time at this scale, delay between the peak compression and the end of the laser, to increase the hot spot convergence and pressure. To reduce the coast time by several hundred ps compared to the 1100 μm inner radius implosions, HYBRID-E has also fielded 1050 μm inner radius capsules, which resulted in higher hot spot pressure and a fusion energy yield of ∼170 kJ.

Turbulence transport in the solar corona: Theory, modeling, and Parker Solar Probe

Abstract: A primary goal of the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Mission is to answer the outstanding question of how the solar corona plasma is heated to the high temperatures needed for the acceleration of the solar wind. Various heating mechanisms have been suggested, but one that is gaining increasing credence is associated with the dissipation of low frequency magnetohyrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. However, the MHD turbulence models come in several flavors: one in which outwardly propagating Alfven waves experience reflection from the large-scale flow and density gradients associated with the solar corona, and the resulting counterpropagating Alfven waves couple nonlinearly to produce quasi-2D turbulence that dissipates and heats the corona, thereby driving the solar wind. The second approach eschews a dominant outward flux of Alfven waves but argues instead that quasi-2D turbulence dominates the lower coronal plasma and is generated in the constantly upwelling magnetic carpet, experiencing dissipation as it is advected through the corona and into the solar wind, yielding temperatures in the corona that exceed a million degrees. We review the two turbulence models, describe the modeling that has been done, and relate PSP observations to the basic predictions of both models. Although PSP measurements are made in the super-Alfvenic solar wind, the observations are close to the coronal region, thus providing a glimpse into the likely properties of coronal turbulence. Observations of low-frequency MHD turbulence by PSP in the super-Alfvenic solar wind allow us to place constraints on models of the turbulently heated solar corona that drive the supersonic solar wind.

Turbulence in space plasmas: Who needs it?

Abstract: The complex nonlinear dynamical phenomenon described as turbulence, is known to have a great impact on fluids, magnetohydrodynamic systems, and on plasmas. This paper reviews selected topics on turbulence in these systems, emphasizing the multiscale space-time properties of the turbulence cascade as it transfers energy from large scale reservoirs, through the inertial range, finally dissipating at kinetic scales and producing internal or thermal energy. Application to space and astrophysical plasmas is a pervasive theme. This paper is based on the Maxwell Prize address given at the 2019 American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics meeting in Fort Lauderdale.

Physics and applications of three-ion ICRF scenarios for fusion research

Abstract: This paper summarizes the physical principles behind the novel three-ion scenarios using radio frequency waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF). We discuss how to transform mode conversion electron heating into a new flexible ICRF technique for ion cyclotron heating and fast-ion generation in multi-ion species plasmas. The theoretical section provides practical recipes for selecting the plasma composition to realize three-ion ICRF scenarios, including two equivalent possibilities for the choice of resonant absorbers that have been identified. The theoretical findings have been convincingly confirmed by the proof-of-principle experiments in mixed H–D plasmas on the Alcator C-Mod and JET tokamaks, using thermal 3He and fast D ions from neutral beam injection as resonant absorbers. Since 2018, significant progress has been made on the ASDEX Upgrade and JET tokamaks in H–4He and H–D plasmas, guided by the ITER needs. Furthermore, the scenario was also successfully applied in JET D–3He plasmas as a technique to generate fusion-born alpha particles and study effects of fast ions on plasma confinement under ITER-relevant plasma heating conditions. Tuned for the central deposition of ICRF power in a small region in the plasma core of large devices such as JET, three-ion ICRF scenarios are efficient in generating large populations of passing fast ions and modifying the q-profile. Recent experimental and modeling developments have expanded the use of three-ion scenarios from dedicated ICRF studies to a flexible tool with a broad range of different applications in fusion research.

Cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma jet: Physics and opportunities

Abstract: Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet generates rich reactive species including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species with gas temperature close to or at room temperature, which is very attractive for applications such as plasma medicine. However, under one atmospheric pressure, due to the high electron–neutral particles collision frequency (1011–12/s), it is difficult to generate atmospheric pressure plasma while keeping the gas temperature close to or at room temperature. Furthermore, when air rather than noble gases is used as working gas, due to the low energy levels of rotational and vibrational states of nitrogen and oxygen, it becomes extremely challenging to generate cold atmospheric pressure air plasma jet (CAAP-J) with gas temperature close to or at room temperature. Fortunately, after decades of research, several CAAP-Js have been reported. In this review, the state-of-the-art of the development of CAAP-Js is presented. The CAAP-Js are grouped into six categories based on their electrode configuration. A brief discussion on each group of the CAAP-Js is presented. Moreover, the physics of CAAP-Js is discussed, including the dynamics, the striation phenomenon, the temporal behavior of plasma parameters, and the nonequilibrium characteristic of CAAP-Js. Furthermore, the measurements of the reactive species generated by CAAP-Js are briefly reviewed. Finally, discussions and perspective of future research on CAAP-Js are presented.

Modeling of a chain of three plasma accelerator stages with the WarpX electromagnetic PIC code on GPUs

Abstract: The fully electromagnetic particle-in-cell code WarpX is being developed by a team of the U.S. DOE Exascale Computing Project (with additional non-U.S. collaborators on part of the code) to enable the modeling of chains of tens to hundreds of plasma accelerator stages on exascale supercomputers, for future collider designs. The code is combining the latest algorithmic advances (e.g., Lorentz boosted frame and pseudo-spectral Maxwell solvers) with mesh refinement and runs on the latest computer processing unit and graphical processing unit (GPU) architectures. In this paper, we summarize the strategy that was adopted to port WarpX to GPUs, report on the weak parallel scaling of the pseudo-spectral electromagnetic solver, and then present solutions for decreasing the time spent in data exchanges from guard regions between subdomains. In Sec. IV, we demonstrate the simulations of a chain of three consecutive multi-GeV laser-driven plasma accelerator stages.

A new set of analytical formulae for the computation of the bootstrap current and the neoclassical conductivity in tokamaks

Abstract: A new set of analytical formulae for calculating the bootstrap current and the neoclassical conductivity in tokamak experiments is presented Previous works comparing the widely used Sauter model with results of recently developed numerical neoclassical solvers have shown the Sauter model to be inaccurate at higher collisionalities typical of tokamak edge pedestals and in the presence of impurities Thus, its applicability, particularly for the analysis of the highly interesting and highly complex plasma edge, is limited For a revised set of analytical formulae, the procedure to determine the analytical formulae described by Sauter is repeated with the more accurate and more reliable numerical code NEO [E Belli, Plasma Phys Controlled Fusion 54, 015015 (2012)] For the determination of the respective bootstrap current coefficient, the linearity of neoclassical transport is exploited This new set of analytical formulae consists of the same analytical structure as the original set of analytical formulae published by Sauter [Phys Plasmas 6, 2834 (1999); ibid 9, 5140 (2002)] and also continues to use only three neoclassical key parameters: the fraction of trapped particles f trap, the collisionality ν σ *, and the effective charge number Z eff

Solving the problem of overdetermination of quasisymmetric equilibrium solutions by near-axis expansions. I. Generalized force balance

Abstract: It is well known that the process of construction of quasisymmetric magnetic fields in magnetostatic equilibrium with isotropic pressure suffers from the problem of overdetermination. This has led to the widespread belief that global quasisymmetric solutions are likely not to exist. We develop a general near-axis expansion procedure that does not rely on the assumption of magnetostatic equilibria with isotropic pressure. We then demonstrate that in equilibria with anisotropic pressure, it is possible to circumvent the problem of overdetermination and carry out the power-series solutions to higher order. This suggests, contrary to current belief, that the existence of globally quasisymmetric fields is likely if one relaxes the assumption of magnetostatic equilibria with isotropic pressure.

Theoretical model of the nonlinear resonant interaction of whistler-mode waves and field-aligned electrons

Abstract: The nonlinear resonant interaction of intense whistler-mode waves and energetic electrons in the Earth's radiation belts is traditionally described by theoretical models based on the consideration of slow–fast resonant systems. Such models reduce the electron dynamics around the resonance to the single pendulum equation that provides solutions for the electron nonlinear scattering (phase bunching) and phase trapping. Applicability of this approach is limited to not-too-small electron pitch-angles (i.e., sufficiently large electron magnetic moments), whereas model predictions contradict to the test particle results for small pitch-angle electrons. This study is focused on such field-aligned (small pitch-angle) electron resonances. We show that the nonlinear resonant interaction can be described by the slow–fast Hamiltonian system with the separatrix crossing. For the first cyclotron resonance, this interaction results in the electron pitch-angle increase for all resonant electrons, contrast to the pitch-angle decrease predicted by the pendulum equation for scattered electrons. We derive the threshold value of the magnetic moment of the transition to a new regime of the nonlinear resonant interaction. For field-aligned electrons, the proposed model provides the magnitude of magnetic moment changes in the nonlinear resonance. This model supplements existing models for not-too-small pitch-angles and contributes to the theory of the nonlinear resonant electron interaction with intense whistler-mode waves.

Solving the problem of overdetermination of quasisymmetric equilibrium solutions by near-axis expansions. II. Circular axis stellarator solutions

Abstract: We apply the near-axis expansion method for quasisymmetric magnetic fields with anisotropic pressure (developed in Paper I) [E. Rodriguez and A. Bhattacharjee, Phys. Plasmas 28, 012508 (2020)] to construct numerical solutions to circular axis stellarators. The solutions are found to second order in the distance from the axis, not possible in the standard Garren–Boozer construction [D. A. Garren and A. H. Boozer, Phys. Fluids B 3, 2822 (1991)], which assumes magnetostatic equilibria with isotropic pressure. In the limit of zero anisotropy, it is shown that a subset of coefficients can be chosen to avoid the overdetermination problem.

Mitigation of mode-one asymmetry in laser-direct-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions

Abstract: Nonuniformities present in the laser illumination and target in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion experiments lead to an asymmetric compression of the target, resulting in an inefficient conversion of shell kinetic energy to thermal energy of the hot-spot plasma. In this paper, the effects of asymmetric compression of cryogenic deuterium tritium laser-direct-drive implosions are examined using a suite of nuclear and x-ray diagnostics on the OMEGA laser. The neutron-averaged hot-spot velocity ( u → hs) and apparent ion temperature ( T i) asymmetry are determined from neutron time-of-flight measurements of the primary deuterium tritium fusion neutron energy spectrum, while the areal density (ρR) of the compressed fuel surrounding the hot spot is inferred from measurements of the scattered neutron energy spectrum. The low-mode perturbations of the hot-spot shape are characterized from x-ray self-emission images recorded along three quasi-orthogonal lines of sight. Implosions with significant mode-1 laser-drive asymmetries show large hot-spot velocities (>100 km/s) in a direction consistent with the hot-spot elongation observed in x-ray images, measured T i asymmetry, and ρR asymmetry. Laser-drive corrections have been applied through shifting the initial target location in order to mitigate the observed asymmetry. With the asymmetry corrected, a more-symmetric hot spot is observed with reduced u → hs , T i asymmetry, ρR asymmetry, and a 30% increase in the fusion yield.

Linear embedding of nonlinear dynamical systems and prospects for efficient quantum algorithms

Abstract: The simulation of large nonlinear dynamical systems, including systems generated by discretization of hyperbolic partial differential equations, can be computationally demanding. Such systems are important in both fluid and kinetic computational plasma physics. This motivates exploring whether a future error-corrected quantum computer could perform these simulations more efficiently than any classical computer. We describe a method for mapping any finite nonlinear dynamical system to an infinite linear dynamical system (embedding) and detail three specific cases of this method that correspond to previously studied mappings. Then we explore an approach for approximating the resulting infinite linear system with finite linear systems (truncation). Using a number of qubits only logarithmic in the number of variables of the nonlinear system, a quantum computer could simulate truncated systems to approximate output quantities if the nonlinearity is sufficiently weak. Other aspects of the computational efficiency of the three detailed embedding strategies are also discussed.

Development of a lumping methodology for the analysis of the excited states in plasma discharges operated with argon, neon, krypton, and xenon

Abstract: In this paper, a methodology is presented to compute the plasma properties (e.g.,, density and temperature) accounting for the dynamics of the excited states. The proposed strategy applies to both zero-dimensional (0D) models and multidimensional fluid and hybrid codes handling low-pressure (<50 mTorr) plasma discharges filled with argon, neon, krypton, and xenon gases. The paper focuses on two main aspects: (i) a lumping methodology is proposed to reduce the number of reactions and species considered in order to keep at bay the computational cost without a major loss of accuracy; (ii) the influence that different datasets of cross sections have on the results has been assessed. First, the lumping methodology has been implemented in a 0D model accounting for singly charged ions, neutrals, along with 1s and 2p excited states (Paschen notation). Metastable and resonant are treated as two separate species within the 1s energy level ( 1sM and 1sR, respectively). The results have been benchmarked against those obtained treating each energy level of the excited states as an individual species. Differences lower than 1% have been obtained. Second, the results of the 0D model have been compared against measurements of electron density and temperature performed on an inductively coupled plasma. Numerical predictions and experiments present a disagreement up to 20%–30%, which is comparable to the uncertainty band of the measurements. Finally, the lumping strategy has been implemented in a 2D fluid code to assess its computational affordability, and the results have been compared against the experiments as well. A variance up to 30% in electron density and temperature is registered adopting different datasets of cross sections.

Transport coefficients for magnetic-field evolution in inviscid magnetohydrodynamics

Abstract: The magnetized resistivity and electrothermal tensors when substituted into the induction equation lead to electrothermal magnetic field generation, resistive magnetic diffusion, and magnetic field advection due to resistivity gradients, temperature gradients, and currents. The advection terms driven by the temperature gradient and current have cross field components (perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the driving term) that depend on significantly modified versions of Braginskii's transport coefficients [S. I. Braginskii, in Reviews of Plasma Physics, edited by M. A. Leontovich (Consultants Bureau, New York, 1965), Vol. 1, p. 205]. The improved fits to Braginskii's coefficients given by Epperlein and Haines [Phys. Fluids 29, 1029 (1986)] and Ji and Held [Phys. Plasmas 13, 042114 (2013)] give physically incorrect results for cross field advection at small Hall parameters (product of cyclotron frequency and collision time). The errors in Epperlein and Haines' fits are particularly severe, giving increasing advection velocities below a Hall parameter of one when they should decrease linearly to zero. Epperlein and Haines' fits can also give erroneous advection terms due to variations in the effective atomic number. The only serious error in Braginskii's fits is an overestimate in advection due to perpendicular resistivity. New fits for the cross field advection terms are obtained from a direct numerical solution of the Fokker–Planck equation and Ji and Held's higher order expansion approach that are continuous functions of the effective atomic number.

Scaling of laser-driven electron and proton acceleration as a function of laser pulse duration, energy, and intensity in the multi-picosecond regime

Abstract: A scaling study of short-pulse laser-driven proton and electron acceleration was conducted as a function of pulse duration, laser energy, and laser intensity in the multi-picosecond (ps) regime (∼0.8 ps–20 ps). Maximum proton energies significantly greater than established scaling laws were observed, consistent with observations at other multi-ps laser facilities. In addition, maximum proton energies and electron temperatures in this regime were found to be strongly dependent on the laser pulse duration and preplasma conditions. A modified proton scaling model is presented that is able to better represent the accelerated proton characteristics in this multi-ps regime.

Thresholds of absolute two-plasmon-decay and stimulated Raman scattering instabilities driven by multiple broadband lasers

Abstract: Thresholds for the absolute stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and two-plasma decay (TPD) instabilities driven by multiple broadband laser beams are evaluated using 3D simulations at conditions relevant to inertial confinement fusion experiments. Multibeam TPD and SRS backscatter are found to be easier to mitigate with bandwidth than the corresponding single-beam instabilities. A relative bandwidth of 1% increases the threshold for absolute SRS backscatter by a factor of 4 at conditions relevant to ongoing National Ignition Facility experiments and should be sufficient to keep all of the absolute instabilities below threshold in experiments with similar conditions.

The cosmic ray-driven streaming instability in astrophysical and space plasmas

Abstract: Energetic non-thermal particles, or cosmic rays, are a major component of astrophysical plasmas next to magnetic fields, radiation, and thermal gas. Cosmic rays are usually sub-dominant in density but carry as much pressure as the thermal plasma background. In some cases, cosmic rays drift at faster speeds with respect to the normal modes' phase speeds of the background plasma. Because of this, cosmic rays are a strong source of free energy that causes new classes of kinetic or convective instabilities. Recent years have seen the development of intense analytical and numerical efforts to analyze the onset of an instability produced by the motion of these particles at fast bulk speeds: this is the streaming instability. The streaming instability has been applied to different space plasmas and astrophysical contexts like strong shocks, jets, or in interstellar and intergalactic medium studies. Streaming instabilities participate in the production of magnetic turbulence at scales corresponding to the gyroradius of the particles. By scattering off their self-generated waves, cosmic rays are coupled to the background thermal plasma. This mechanism is able to self-confine cosmic rays around sources and launch winds out of the disk of the galaxy, hence impacting galactic matter dynamics and ultimately the galactic star formation rate. We discuss a few science cases, which should be accessible in the near future for analytical calculations and numerical simulations.

Lithium, a path to make fusion energy affordable

Abstract: In this tutorial article, we review the technological, physics, and economic basis for a magnetic fusion device utilizing a flowing liquid lithium divertor (molten metal velocity in the range of cm/s) and operating in a low-recycling plasma regime. When extrapolated to magnetic fusion reactor scale, the observed effects of a liquid lithium boundary on recycling reduction, confinement increase, and anomalous heat transport mitigation may offer a fundamentally distinct and promising alternative route to fusion energy production. In addition, this lithium-driven low recycling regime could accelerate fusion's commercial viability since such a device would be smaller, dramatically decreasing plant and electricity costs if all technological complexities are solved. First, the theoretical basis of the energy confinement and fusion performance as well as the related possibilities of low recycling regimes driven by flowing lithium plasma-facing components are reviewed. Then the paper emphasizes the technological obstacles that need to be overcome for developing the necessary systems for such a flowing liquid lithium solution at reactor scale and details how many of these have been overcome at laboratory and/or proof-of-concept scale. Finally, the current and planned scientific and engineering endeavors being performed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign regarding this alternative reactor option are discussed.

Discharge physics and atomic layer etching in Ar/C4F6 inductively coupled plasmas with a radio frequency bias

Abstract: Atomic layer etching (ALE), a cyclic process of surface modification and removal of the modified layer, is an emerging damage-less etching technology for semiconductor fabrication with a feature size of less than 10 nm. Among the plasma sources, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) can be a candidate for ALE, but there is a lack of research linking discharge physics to the ALE process. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the discharge physics of ICPs with a radio frequency (RF) bias and Ar/C4F6 mixture to be considered for the ALE process. Detailed studies on the discharge physics were conducted in each step of ALE (i.e., modification step, removal step) as well as the whole cycle as follows: (1) In the general ALE cycle, plasma properties dependent on the chamber geometry and the discharge mode of the ICP were analyzed; (2) in the modification step, a plasma instability with molecular gas was observed. The timescale for molecular gas removal was also investigated; (3) in the removal step, changes in plasma characteristics with the RF bias power were studied. Based on measurements of these plasma physical parameters, the discharge condition for ALE was optimized. ALE was performed on various thin films, including a-Si, poly c-Si, SiO2, and Si3N4. For each thin film, thicknesses of 0.5–2.0 nm were etched per cycle, as in quasi-ALE. Finally, ALE was performed on a patterned wafer, and the etch thickness of 0.6 nm per cycle and fine etch profile were obtained.

Positive charging of grains in an afterglow plasma is enhanced by ions drifting in an electric field

Abstract: 10.1063/5.0069141.1In a plasma, the polarity of a dust grain's charge is typically negative, but it can reverse and become positive in an afterglow, when the power sustaining the plasma is switched off. This positive charging, which occurs in the afterglow's first few milliseconds, is studied for grains much larger than a few nm. It is hypothesized that the positive charging is enhanced by the presence of a dc electric field, which causes ions to drift through the neutral gas. A larger value of the reduced electric field E/N leads to a larger ion kinetic energy and thus a greater collection of positive charge on a grain. The maximum possible positive charge is attained if the grain's surface potential rises to match the ion kinetic energy, at a time before ions have departed and the grain's charge becomes frozen. Thereafter, when vacuum conditions prevail, the grain will retain its positive residual charge. In an experiment, dust grains were electrically levitated in a capacitively coupled plasma until the power was abruptly turned off. In the afterglow, grains fell faster than expected due to gravity alone, indicating a downward electric force, in the presence of a remaining dc electric field. Acceleration measurements yielded repeatable results for the residual charge's value, which was of the order +104 e and increased with E/N, supporting the hypothesis.

Characterization of injection and confinement improvement through impurity induced profile modifications on the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator

Abstract: Pulsed injections of boron carbide granules into Wendelstein 7-X stellarator (W7-X) plasmas transiently increase the plasma stored energy and core ion temperatures above the reference W7-X experimental programs by up to 30%. In a series of 4 MW electron cyclotron resonance heating experiments, the PPPL Probe Mounted Powder Injector provided 50 ms bursts of 100 μm granules every 350 ms at estimated quantities ranging from approximately 1 mg/pulse to over 30 mg/pulse. For each injection, the stored energy was observed to initially drop and the radiated power transiently increased, while the radial electron density profile rose at the edge as material was assimilated. Once the injected boron carbide was fully absorbed, the density rise transitioned to the core while the stored energy increased above the previous baseline level by an amount linearly correlated with the injection quantity. During the injection, the ion temperature gradient steepened with peak core ion temperatures observed to increase from a nominal 1.7 keV to over 2.6 keV for the largest injection amounts. Enhanced performance is accompanied by a reversal of the radial electric field at ρ < 0.3, indicating that the core transport has switched to the ion root. These observations are suggestive of a change in transport and provide further evidence that externally induced profile modifications provide a possible path to enhanced W7-X performance metrics.

Energy dissipation in turbulent reconnection

Abstract: We study the nature of pressure-strain interaction at reconnection sites detected by NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. We employ data from a series of previously published case studies, including a large-scale reconnection event at the magnetopause, three small-scale reconnection events at the magnetosheath current sheets, and one example of the recently discovered electron-only reconnection. In all instances, we find that the pressure-strain shows a signature of conversion into (or from) internal energy at the reconnection site. The electron heating rate is larger than the ion heating rate and the compressive heating is dominant over the incompressive heating rate in all cases considered. The magnitude of thermal energy conversion rate is close to the electromagnetic energy conversion rate in the reconnection region. Although in most cases the pressure-strain interaction indicates that the particle internal energy is increasing, in one case, the internal energy is decreasing. These observations indicate that the pressure-strain interaction can be used as an independent measure of energy conversion and dynamics in reconnection regions, in particular, independent of measures based on the electromagnetic work. Finally, we explore a selected reconnection site in a turbulent Particle-in-Cell simulation which further supports the observational results.

Demonstration of a laser-driven, narrow spectral bandwidth x-ray source for collective x-ray scattering experiments

Abstract: X-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) is a powerful diagnostic technique that involves an x-ray source interacting with a dense plasma sample, resulting in a spectrum of elastically and inelastically scattered x-rays. Depending on the plasma conditions, one can measure a range of parameters from the resulting spectrum, including plasma temperature, electron density, and ionization state. To achieve sensitivity to collective electron oscillations, XRTS measurements require limited momentum transfer where the spectral separation of elastic and inelastic scattering is small. Such measurements require an x-ray probe source with a narrow bandwidth in order to reduce the spectral overlap between scattering contributions, allowing for the different features to be more precisely deconvolved. In this investigation, we discuss the theory behind how the bandwidth for a common XRTS probe, Zn He-α emission at 9 keV, can be reduced using a Cu K-edge filter. Proof-of-principle experiments conducted at the OMEGA laser facility confirm that this is an effective method for attenuating the higher energy He-α peak in the Zn emission spectrum. Calibration measurements at the National Ignition Facility show a reduction in spectral bandwidth from 87 eV to 48 eV when using the Cu filter, which will be important to improve the spectral resolution of future XRTS measurements that will probe plasmon oscillations in strongly compressed plasmas of low-Z materials at densities of tens of g/cm3.

Non-inductive plasma current ramp-up through oblique injection of harmonic electron cyclotron waves on the QUEST spherical tokamak

Abstract: The plasma current is ramped up primarily by a 28 GHz electron cyclotron wave (ECW) in the Q-shu University experiment Steady-State Spherical Tokamak (QUEST), with multiple harmonic resonance layers from the second to the fourth stay in the plasma core. A steering antenna comprising two quasi-optical mirrors enhances the power density of ECWs. The ECW beam is injected obliquely from the low-field side where the parallel refractive index is N ∥ = 0.75 at the second-harmonic resonance layer. Analysis of the resonance condition has found that energetic electrons moving forward along the magnetic field resonate more effectively than those moving backward. Such symmetry breaking is consistent with the results of the current ramp-up experiment. The peak plasma current reaches I p > 70 kA, constantly injecting a beam of radio frequency power of 100 kW. Ray-tracing by the TASK/WR code demonstrates that the power of the 28 GHz extraordinary mode is absorbed by energetic electrons via single-pass cyclotron absorption.

Coalescence instability in chromospheric partially ionized plasmas

Abstract: Fast magnetic reconnection plays a fundamental role in driving explosive dynamics and heating in the solar chromosphere. The reconnection time scale of traditional models is shortened at the onset of the coalescence instability, which forms a turbulent reconnecting current sheet through plasmoid interaction. In this work, we aim to investigate the role of partial ionization in the development of fast reconnection through the study of the coalescence instability of plasmoids. Unlike the processes occurring in fully ionized coronal plasmas, relatively little is known about how fast reconnection develops in partially ionized plasmas (PIPs) of the chromosphere. We present 2.5D numerical simulations of coalescing plasmoids in a single fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model and a two-fluid model of a partially ionized plasma (PIP). We find that in the PIP model, which has the same total density as the MHD model but an initial plasma density two orders of magnitude smaller, plasmoid coalescence is faster than the MHD case, following the faster thinning of the current sheet and secondary plasmoid dynamics. Secondary plasmoids form in the PIP model where the effective Lundquist number S = 7.8 × 10 3, but are absent from the MHD case where S = 9.7 × 10 3: these are responsible for a more violent reconnection. Secondary plasmoids also form in linearly stable conditions as a consequence of the nonlinear dynamics of the neutrals in the inflow. In the light of these results, we can affirm that two-fluid effects play a major role in the processes occurring in the solar chromosphere.

Effects of divertor electrical drifts on particle distribution and detachment near the divertor target plate in DIII-D

Abstract: Strong impacts of drifts on the divertor plasma in–out asymmetry and detachment are demonstrated in DIII-D with an open divertor configuration. For forward toroidal field, BT, i.e., with the ion B × ∇B drift toward the divertor, the particle flux to the inner divertor, as represented by the Langmuir probe measured ion saturation current (Jsat), exhibits a double peak structure, with electron temperature, lower at the inner target. Reversing the BT direction reverses both the radial and poloidal E × B flows, leading to a broad particle flux profile in the outboard scrape-off layer (SOL) with a similar double-peak structure to that observed at the inner target with forward BT. The correlation of a double peak structure with divertor temperature profiles confirms physical coupling between the drift flow and sheath boundary condition and their strong impact on divertor profiles. In addition, under reversed BT conditions, increasing the density flattens the target temperature profile. However, Jsat remains high away from the strike point, rendering it difficult to achieve an “effective” detached plasma, i.e., with effective reduction in both peak heat flux and peak temperature (in the far SOL). In contrast, divertor detachment with a cold and flat temperature profile can be achieved at both target plates with the forward BT.

The acceleration of charged particles and formation of power-law energy spectra in nonrelativistic magnetic reconnection

Abstract: Magnetic reconnection is a primary driver of particle acceleration processes in space and astrophysical plasmas Understanding how particles are accelerated and the resulting particle energy spectra are among the central topics in reconnection studies We review recent advances in addressing this problem in nonrelativistic reconnection that is relevant to space and solar plasmas and beyond We focus on particle acceleration mechanisms, particle transport due to 3D reconnection physics, and their roles in forming power-law particle energy spectra We conclude by pointing out the challenges in studying particle acceleration and transport in a large-scale reconnection layer and the relevant issues to be addressed in the future

Characterization of descriptors in machine learning for data-based sputtering yield prediction

Abstract: Sputtering of a single-element material surface by monatomic ion impact is one of the simplest and most fundamental phenomena of plasma–surface interaction. Despite its seemingly simple and well-defined nature, its collision cascade dynamics is so complex that no widely applicable formula of the sputtering yield has ever been derived analytically from the first principles. When the first-principles approach to a complex problem fails to unveil its nature, a data-driven approach, or machine learning, may be used to transform the problem into a tractable model. In this study, regression models of sputtering yields of such systems were constructed based on publicly available data derived from a large number of past experiments. The analysis has also identified the descriptors (i.e., physical variables characterizing the surface and incident ion species) on which the sputtering phenomena depend most strongly and presented quantitative evaluation on how sensitively the regression models depend on each descriptor or group of descriptors. Information obtained in this study can facilitate an understanding of the fundamental workings of the sputtering phenomena in the absence of rigorous analytical theory.

Space-charge limited current in planar and cylindrical crossed-field diodes using variational calculus

Abstract: Crossed-field space-charge limited current (CF-SCLC) represents the maximum stable current that can be produced in crossed-field devices (CFDs); prominent CFDs include magnetrons and cyclotrons, critical technologies in vacuum electronics. While planar crossed-field geometries have the most developed theoretical models, cylindrical geometries are far more common and useful in practical applications. CFDs are characterized by the strength of the externally applied magnetic field B, orthogonal (crossed) to the electric field; this is often normalized to the magnetic insulation condition, the Hull cutoff field BH. We apply variational calculus to derive a new theoretical model for CF-SCLC for planar and cylindrical devices below and above BH. The variational model offers a concise derivation for planar results without transforming to the time domain and gives the first analytic results from first principles for cylindrical CF-SCLC. We implement a fully three-dimensional simulation in CST Particle Studio which, in addition to additional derived simple theoretical models, explains the often overlooked experimental current scaling ∝1−B/BH21/2 which decreases to zero current as B→BH−. These additional simple models reduce the maximum mismatch magnitude between theory and experiments or simulations by up to 68% compared to the variational model, with the most improvement at the critical limit B→BH−. Justification for the variational model and future applications are discussed.

Pedestal magnetic turbulence measurements in ELMy H-mode DIII-D plasmas by Faraday-effect polarimetry

Abstract: Internal magnetic fluctuation measurements are utilized to identify turbulence associated with micro-tearing modes (MTM) in the DIII-D Edge-Localized-Mode (ELM)-y H-mode pedestal. Using a Faraday-effect polarimeter, magnetic turbulence (150–500 kHz) is directly observed with a typical line-averaged fluctuation amplitude of ∼0.8 G at peak frequency (250 kHz) and ∼15 G integrated over the spectrum from 150 to 500 kHz. Frequency, poloidal wavenumber, and propagation direction of the magnetic turbulence all serve to identify as MTM. Magnetic turbulence amplitude non-monotonically correlates with collision frequency, peaks off mid-plane, and correlates with electron temperature gradient evolution between ELMs, consistent with MTM features identified from theory and gyro-kinetic simulation. The magnetic turbulence growth correlates with confinement degradation in ELMy H-mode plasmas during a slow density ramp. These internal measurements provide unique constraints toward developing physics understanding and validating models of the H-mode pedestal for future devices.