Tokamak
Glossary term: Tokamak
01 Executive_Summary
A toroidal magnetic confinement device using external toroidal field coils and an internal plasma current to generate the poloidal field. The dominant MCF concept worldwide (ITER, DIII-D, NSTX).
02 Definition
A toroidal magnetic confinement device using external toroidal field coils and an internal plasma current to generate the poloidal field. The dominant MCF concept worldwide (ITER, DIII-D, NSTX).
03 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
A toroidal magnetic confinement device using external toroidal field coils and an internal plasma current to generate the poloidal field. The dominant MCF concept worldwide (ITER, DIII-D, NSTX).
Role: Glossary term: Tokamak
Entity Type: Concept — Tokamak is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
Technical Definition
A toroidal magnetic confinement device using external toroidal field coils and an internal plasma current to generate the poloidal field. The dominant MCF concept worldwide (ITER, DIII-D, NSTX).
Related Concepts: MCF, Stellarator, DIII-D, NSTX, ITER
07 Key_Findings
- ▸ Entity Type: Concept — Tokamak is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
- ▸ Related Concepts: MCF, Stellarator, DIII-D, NSTX, ITER
09 Timeline_Mentions (8)
Project Sherwood declassified at Geneva Conference
Fusion research declassified at 2nd Atoms for Peace conference. Sherwood becomes CTR program.
historical-contextNinth IAEA Conference on Plasma Physics
The Ninth International Conference on Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research is held in Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on Tokamak experiments and plasma heating.
fusion-physicsCancellation of Terrestrial Alternate Confinement Programs
Alternate confinement programs for terrestrial fusion applications are cancelled, leaving a gap in non-tokamak research.
historical-contextDIII-D Five-Year Plan Initiation
General Atomics implemented the 1993 Five-Year DIII-D Plan, establishing the context for Advanced Tokamak research and facility improvements.
fusion-physicsDIII-D Five-Year Program Plan (1999-2003)
General Atomics released a comprehensive plan for the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, focusing on Advanced Tokamak operating scenarios and paths to ITER.
fusion-physicsBussard Polywell WB-8 (2009-2015): Navy-funded, beta-one conditions achieved, p-B11 aneutronic, EMC2/China Lake — orb confinement geometry
Navy-funded Polywell at EMC2. WB-8 achieved β=1 (plasma pressure = magnetic pressure). p-B11 aneutronic fuel. Polyhedral cusp confinement = orb internal structure (Forbes). Went quiet after 2015.
uap-researchDOE announces 8 Milestone-Based Fusion Development recipients
$46M for 8 companies. Inspired by NASA COTS. 5-10 year timeline for pilot plant designs.
fusion-researchCFS begins SPARC tokamak assembly
75% complete. HTS magnets at 20T. Target Q>1. ARC power plant in Virginia early 2030s.
fusion-research10 FAQ
What is Tokamak? ▾
When did Tokamak appear in the research timeline? ▾
What does the deep dive analysis reveal about Tokamak? ▾
External_References 5 REFS
Glossary_Sources
Type: concept
Region: glossary
Last updated: 2026-08-09