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The Large Helical Device (LHD) is the world's largest superconducting plasma confinement device, and employs a heliotron magnetic configuration. The objectives are to conduct academic research on confinement of steady-state/high-temperature plasma from the viewpoint of developing the helical-type fusion reactor.
In the LHD deuterium plasma experiment in FY2020, we succeeded in generating a plasma with both electron and ion temperatures reaching 100 million degrees. Until now, plasmas with an ion temperature of 100 million degrees or higher have had a low electron temperature, and with this success, we were able to establish a method to produce plasmas that reach 100 million degrees. With this success, the LHD research has entered a new stage.
Physics experiments on plasma turbulence and instability have provided important insights for the development of control methods for turbulence and instability in future fusion plasmas. Turbulence and sudden instabilities are considered to be deeply related not only to fusion plasmas but also to various phenomena occurring in space and on the earth. We are planning to promote such interdisciplinary research in the LHD.
Information

The LHD has restarted this year as a three-year Academic Research Platform project. The LHD Academic Research Platform will conduct two experimental campaigns during the three years. The first will last about three months, from the middle of March to the end of June 2024, and the second, will also be about three months, from October to December 2025. The LHD Academic Research Platform makes it a principle to be in favour of open science. We would like to conduct various experiments in collaboration with many researchers in various fields. We welcome your research proposals that use the LHD Academic Research Platform. Contact e-mail: cs_lhdarp@nifs.ac.jp

Press release (link to EurekAlert)
Cooling 100 million degree plasma with a hydrogen-neon mixture ice pellet

Press release (link to EurekAlert)
Development of high-time-resolution measurement of electron temperature and density in a magnetically confined plasma

Press release (link to EurekAlert)
The process of waves carrying plasma heat is observed for the first time in the world

Call for proposals for the 24th LHD experiment campaign
To prepare the experimental program of the 24th LHD experiment campaign, we are pleased to invite you to submit experiment proposals. Submission of the proposals will be possible between June 6 and June 30, 2022. here.

FY2021 NIFS Research Project Results Review
FY2021 NIFS Research Project Results Review will be held on 1 - 3 June 2022.
Registration and program are available here.

Press release (link to EurekAlert)
Discovery of high-speed moving plasma turbulence for the first time in the world

Press release (link to EurekAlert)
Successful improvement of plasma thermal insulation layer with deuterium

Press release
Plasma turbulence spreading by magnetic fluctuation reduces heat load on a fusion device wall

Press release
Self-sustained divertor oscillation mechanism identified in fusion plasma experiment:
Dynamics of magnetic island and plasma current mirror basic biology model

Press release
Boron powder injection makes plasma temperature increase:
Both impurities and turbulence are suppressed simultaneously in a discharge

Press release
Impact of Magnetic Field Configuration on Suppression of Turbulence:
International Collaboration between Japan and Europe Leads to Innovative Fusion Reactor

Joint Research with TAE Technologies
NIFS and TAE Technologies have agreed to jointly promote fusion research using advanced fusion fuels, and signed a joint research agreement to start our collaboration from 1 September 2021.

FY2021 LHD Research Forum
FY2021 LHD Research Forum will be held from July 12 - 16, 2021 on Zoom. Detailed agenda can be found here.