ITER and plasma surface interaction issues in a fusion reactor

The integration of burning plasma physics with fusion technologies in ITER is an essential step on the strategic path towards establishing the fusion energy option. Once ITER plasmas are established, the major physics parameters of the core plasma will be in the same range as those expected in the demonstration fusion reactor. However, there is a significant difference between ITER and the next generation reactor with regard to plasma surface interaction. The major differences are in requirements of fusion power, lifetime of plasma-facing components and reliability of operation. Therefore, it is essential to develop an integrated model that can accurately account for plasma surface interactions with a core plasma and can be used to make predictions for a reactor. For this development, research programs in various magnetic fusion devices, especially in ITER, will have to be integrated as well as theoretical and basic research programs executed in this area.