Fusion world
Wendelstein 7-X surpasses target
6 Mar 2023
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Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP)
An infrared image from the vacuum vessel of Wendelstein 7-X. The picture does NOT show the plasma itself, but the temperature distribution at the water-cooled divertor baffles. A defined line in the centre, the so-called strike line, is clearly visible. This is where the plasma touches the divertor and the temperature is highest. In individual areas, temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius are reached (red areas). The divertor tiles can withstand temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Celsius. Photo: MPI for Plasma Physics
Early in its new campaign, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator has reached (and passed) a target, achieving an energy turnover of 1.3 gigajoules. What's more, the hot plasma was maintained for eight minutes.