Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have demonstrated improved control over and understanding of implosions in a Z-pinch, enabling the creation of thermonuclear fusion-relevant densities and temperatures. The breakthrough was enabled by unforeseen physics that led to unprecedented implosion stability due to helical modes rather...
Researchers at UCLA's DIII-D National Fusion Facility discovered that plasma turbulence weakens inside large magnetic islands, allowing small islands to grow instead. This finding could lead to improved control of harmful magnetic islands and more efficient operation of fusion devices like ITER.
Researchers have created a 'stability map' to track fusion plasma rotation and collisionality in real-time. This allows for the detection of potential instability and control over the plasma, potentially avoiding disruption of fusion reactions.
The LISA Pathfinder mission has passed a series of tests with flying colors, coming closer to experiencing true free fall than any other human-made object. The experiment successfully tested systems that will be incorporated in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) gravitational wave observatory scheduled for launch in 2034.
Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility successfully tested Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technique, rapidly cooling hot plasma to prevent disruptions. The innovative approach involves injecting frozen neon and deuterium pellets into the plasma, reducing localized heating and mechanical forces on the tokamak walls.
A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Iowa and the University of California, San Diego, discovered a new form of crystalline-like matter in strongly magnetized dusty plasma. The lattice properties can be imposed arbitrarily by an external grid/mesh structure, creating unique geometric patterns.
Researchers have discovered a new super H-mode regime in tokamak plasmas, which could sharply boost fusion power production. The new state allows for higher pressure at the edge of the plasma, creating potential for increased power output from the superhot core.
A US-China fusion research team has made a significant breakthrough by moving plasma closer to the wall, increasing power and efficiency of magnetic fusion energy. This achievement paves the way for future development of tokamaks like ITER, which is currently under construction in France.
Researchers at PPPL developed a new model explaining how magnetic islands cool in tokamaks, leading to the density limit. This finding could lead to steps to overcome the barrier and improve fusion efficiency.
Scientists have found a method to mitigate Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) in tokamaks by using magnetic fields to produce a specific note, reducing the risk of damage to the vessel's walls. This new technique could be crucial for the success of ITER.
Physicists at UCLA's LAPD successfully recreated whistler-mode chorus waves, previously only observed in space, to study the excitation process and its implications for satellite safety. The experiment reveals a complex interplay of plasma parameters and wave signatures that provide an unprecedented constraint on theoretical models.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a new mechanism that speeds up magnetic reconnection, providing new insights into this complex astrophysical process. The model predicts a novel regime in which fast reconnection rates appear independent of system resistivity.
Researchers have used a supercomputer to simulate plasma turbulence, finding that long and short wavelength turbulence coexist and interact strongly, increasing heat losses tenfold above standard models. This discovery may inform fusion reactor design and bring us closer to practical fusion energy.
Researchers have developed high-temperature superconducting materials that can operate at high magnetic fields, opening a new path to fusion energy. These materials could enable the creation of compact, power-producing reactors capable of producing 500 MW of fusion power.
Researchers found a swirling plasma dynamo that generates electric and magnetic fields to stabilize plasma, prevent 'sawtooth cycle' instabilities. The dynamo behavior occurs under specific conditions with rotating magnetic field lines and pressure gradients.
Researchers are exploring plasma-based treatments for fungal infections, as well as using plasmas to extend the shelf life of seafood. Additionally, advancements in plasma propulsion technology are being made for small spacecraft, offering potential solutions for satellite thrusters.
Researchers will present novel optical systems for detecting exoplanets and measuring the Sun's internal structure. A device called a laser frequency comb will also detect minute changes in light from the sun, enabling the detection of Earth-like planets around distant stars.
Researchers have successfully imaged the 3D structure of a giant mimivirus using an X-ray free-electron laser, without relying on crystal formation. This achievement paves the way for imaging important pathogenic viruses like HIV and influenza.
Researchers at the Technion have confirmed the biological purpose for the seemingly counterintuitive setup of photoreceptors and neurons in the human eye. The retina is optimized for vision purposes, with Müller glia cells concentrating light into photoreceptors.
Researchers have found that birds can sense the earth's magnetic field and use it to orient themselves. The cryptochrome protein is thought to play a key role in this process.
Scientists developed a mathematical law for pedestrian interactions based on time until collision, revealing consistent patterns in crowd behavior. The model can be used to predict potential dangers in sporting events and festivals, as well as improve public space design.
Researchers use statistical mechanics to model a zombie outbreak, finding that cities fall quickly but less populated areas take weeks to infect. The ideal hideout is the northern Rockies, where survivors can prepare for months before zombies reach.
Researchers applied an electric field to a section of the Keystone pipeline, smoothing oil flow and reducing pump energy savings. The Applied Oil Technology (AOT) device produced significant reductions in viscosity and turbulence, leading to a 75% decrease in pump power from 2.8 megawatts to 0.7 megawatts.
Researchers used powerful lasers to create colliding jets of plasma, mimicking cosmic explosions and planetary cores. They also recreated a tiny laboratory version of solar flares and stellar explosions, creating a gigantic plasma tsunami in space.
Researchers at the DIII-D tokamak have demonstrated that lithium injections can transiently double temperature and pressure at the plasma edge, delaying instabilities. The results show a 60% increase in total energy-confinement time and improved performance of the plasma.
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about how space weather affects our planet, including the role of magnetic reconnection in accelerating solar wind particles. Researchers have also found significant differences in plasma density between the solar wind and magnetosphere, shedding light on this complex phenomenon.
Scientists at MIT and General Atomics successfully controlled the density of a fusion plasma using radio waves. The experiments revealed that turbulent density fluctuations intensify when most heat goes to electrons, which can be used to minimize turbulence and optimize core temperature under fusion conditions.
Researchers improved plasma performance by applying lithium coatings, but the mechanism behind this improvement remains unclear. A new laboratory experiment found that temperature affects lithium's ability to retain deuterium particles, with oxygen exposure improving retention at lower temperatures.
Researchers at General Electric and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have collaborated on designing a plasma-based power switch, which could contribute to the US power grid's advancement and reliability. The switch utilizes a compact, low-cost design, potentially reducing utility bills and enhancing grid efficiency.
A new study by PhysTEC has identified two crucial factors for sustaining university and college programs designed to increase the number of highly qualified physics teachers. Faculty members who champion physics teacher education, combined with institutional motivation and commitment, can ensure program viability.
The BICEP2 collaboration has published nuanced findings on microwave sky patterns, suggesting possible primordial gravitational waves. However, they acknowledge the presence of galactic dust as a potential explanation for the signals.
A joint experiment between Chinese and American scientists successfully demonstrated a tokamak fusion reactor's ability to maintain high fusion performance for extended periods. The experiment exploited plasma self-generations of electrical current, reducing the need for external coils and increasing cost-effectiveness.
Researchers at the National Spherical Torus Experiment have successfully created giant plasma bubbles using a method called Coaxial Helicity Injection, which harnesses the power of magnetic reconnection. The simulation results shed light on the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon, revealing how forces and currents interact to gen...
Scientists have developed a new technique to optimize the transport barrier in fusion plasmas, which is crucial for increasing future fusion power performance. By understanding the pedestal's behavior and its limitations, researchers can predict and improve its pressure and width, leading to enhanced fusion power production.
Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility shed light on mechanisms that eject fast ions from plasma, enabling detailed tests of models predicting these effects in future reactors. By analyzing particle interactions with multiple waves, researchers gain unprecedented insight into fundamental wave-particle physics.
Recent experiments have found that lithium bound to carbon walls in fusion devices plays a key role in improving plasma performance. The combination of lithium, oxygen, and carbon improves deuterium retention and reduces recycling, leading to enhanced energy confinement and reduced edge plasma instabilities.
Researchers have developed a novel device called the Shoelace Antenna to regulate heat and particle flow through the plasma boundary in a tokamak fusion reactor. The antenna exploits naturally occurring resonant vibrations to achieve this goal.
Researchers have successfully shielded fusion facility walls using lithium vapors, extending protection to 10 times longer than expected. The breakthrough could alleviate concerns about plasma contamination and aborting fusion reactions in future devices.
Researchers at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center have developed a novel diagnostic instrument that can remotely map the composition of material surfaces inside a magnetic fusion device. This new approach promises to provide scientists with insights into the dynamic interaction between fusing plasma and its surrounding materials.
Millimeter-wave imaging technology helps scientists understand and manage plasma instabilities in fusion plasmas. By imaging waves and density fluctuations, researchers can develop strategies to maintain plasma stability and accelerate progress towards a viable new energy source.
A computer simulation reveals how intense plasma waves generate suprathermal electrons, which are critical to microchip fabrication. This breakthrough provides a first step toward controlling the plasma-surface interactions and increasing transistor density.
Researchers at PPPL have developed an online experiment that allows users to control a real physics laboratory from any location. The Remote Glow Discharge Experiment enables users to interact with a plasma discharge, observing and controlling its effects on the apparatus.
Researchers discovered that rotating plasma during disruptions can spread energy around the vessel, reducing heat load. The Alcator C-Mod team found spontaneous rotation in tokamaks, while DIII-D tested theory using 3D magnetic fields to control instability direction.
Physicists propose a unified framework for understanding matter, energy, space, and time. The report highlights pressing questions, such as the nature of dark matter and neutrinos, and outlines 20-year research priorities.
A new study explores how 'Energy Theater' helps learners understand complex physics ideas, including energy flow and conservation. The activity allows students to personify energy and visualize its changes in a dynamic system.
Researchers have created self-bending light beams that can move along curved paths and heal themselves, potentially using them to manipulate particles and data. Meanwhile, scientists have also designed ultralight fractal materials that could be used to build solar sails with reduced weight, potentially improving space propulsion.
Scientists at MIT's Alcator C-Mod tokamak reactor have successfully maintained I-mode operation over a wider power range. This breakthrough could enable the application of I-mode to larger ITER projects and future fusion reactors.
Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have created a video simulation showcasing the complex dynamics of a plasma pulse within an experimental fusion machine, offering new insights into particle confinement and magnetic field manipulation. The simulation provides a detailed 3D picture of the plasma, allowing researcher...
Researchers installed a movable 30-ton particle-beam heating system to develop fusion plasmas that can burn indefinitely. The system allows scientists to vary the spatial distribution of the plasma current to maintain optimal conditions for sustaining high-temperature plasmas needed for fusion energy production.
Researchers used a new microwave instrument to study the interplay between plasma turbulence and surface flows in tokamak plasas. They found that turbulent eddies are shredded by large surface flows, turning off turbulence. This equilibrium is crucial for achieving high thermal insulation in fusion experiments.