Progress in Plasma Heating Development for Novatron
As part of the TauEB project, the conceptual development of Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) and Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) systems for plasma production and heating at the Novatron tandem mirror system is ongoing.
ECRH and ICRH are methods used to heat plasma using electromagnetic waves. In simple terms, ECRH heats the electrons in the plasma using high-frequency microwaves, while ICRH transfers energy to the heavier ions using radio waves. Together, these systems make it possible to create the dense and high-temperature plasma required for fusion research.
Several scenarios for plasma production and heating are currently under consideration, with the aim of achieving plasma parameters that can be extrapolated to future, larger Novatron devices.
An important milestone was reached in 2025 with the start of operation of the Novatron 1 (N1) machine. Experimental data from N1 is now being analysed and will support further research and optimization of the next Novatron device under development within the project.
“The work we are doing now is laying the foundation for future Novatron systems and improved plasma performance,” says Yurii Kovtun.