As part of our mission to deliver commercial fusion energy in the 2030s, we’re developing new laser technology for controlling extreme conditions inside future fusion power plants. A new laser-based dispersion interferometer system, currently being tested at our Oxfordshire headquarters, will be installed on our world record-breaking ST40 tokamak later this year.
Dr Tadas Pyragius, Tokamak Energy plasma physicist, said: “Measuring plasma density is key to our understanding and control of the fusion fuel and efficient future power plant operations. A laser beam fired through the plasma interacts with the electrons and tells us the density of the fuel, which is essential for sustained fusion conditions and delivering secure and reliable energy to the grid.”