Fusion Physics

Stellarator

A toroidal magnetic confinement device that uses external coils to generate both toroidal and poloidal fields, avoiding the need for a driven plasma current. Wendelstein 7-X is a modern example.

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Timeline Mentions (8)

1958

Project Sherwood declassified at Geneva Conference

Fusion research declassified at 2nd Atoms for Peace conference. Sherwood becomes CTR program.

1982

Ninth 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.

1991

Cancellation of Terrestrial Alternate Confinement Programs

Alternate confinement programs for terrestrial fusion applications are cancelled, leaving a gap in non-tokamak research.

1993

DIII-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.

1998

DIII-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.

2010

PJMIF Concept Origin

The plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) concept originates at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a hybrid MCF/ICF model.

2015

Bussard 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.

2018

W7-X Stellarator Collaboration

LANL team participates in the 'One Team' control room operations for the W7-X stellarator in Germany.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stellarator?
A toroidal magnetic confinement device that uses external coils to generate both toroidal and poloidal fields, avoiding the need for a driven plasma current. Wendelstein 7-X is a modern example.
How does Stellarator relate to other concepts?
Stellarator is closely related to Tokamak. These relationships are documented in the research glossary and cross-referenced with primary source documents.
When did Stellarator appear in the research timeline?
Stellarator is referenced in 8 timeline events, including "Project Sherwood declassified at Geneva Conference" (1958). The timeline provides chronological context for the development and application of this concept.