Progress toward an advanced tokamak at DIII–D

Recent additions to the DIII–D tokamak have permitted the many issues critical to advanced tokamak operation to be addressed. These include an expanded divertor pumping and baffle system, improved energy handling of the plasma facing components, higher power and longer pulse electron cyclotron heating and current drive systems, an active instability control system, an upgraded plasma control system and upgraded diagnostic systems. Initial results of the plasma pumping, heating and stabilization experiments are promising.