The Burning Plasma Science: Long Pulse and High Power subprogram explores new and unique plasmas that can be achieved with international facilities that use superconducting magnetic field coils. These systems allow scientists to sustain plasmas lasting 100’s of seconds. It also develops the materials and technologies required to withstand and sustain a fusion plasmas for these long durations. U.S. research teams are supported to work in collaboration with international partners to address the remaining obstacles to sustaining plasmas continuously as would be desirable in a fusion reactor.
If you have 4 minutes to spare, take a seat and watch this short video clip explaining why we are building ITER and what is at stake.
Video courtesy of ITER
U.S. builds the largest pulsed superconducting magnet in the world for ITER
Video courtesy of the Department of Energy