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LHD
LHD
LHD
LHD
LHD

 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

Launched 25th experiment campaign

We launched the 25th LHD experiment campaign today. Plasma experiments are planned until 20 June 2024.

Cooling was completed

The superconducting magnet's cooling was completed as scheduled, and the system transitioned to steady cooling mode. We will conduct excitation tests of superconducting magnets in preparation for plasma experiments, which will start tomorrow.

The 25th LHD plasma experiment is approaching

The 25th LHD plasma experimental campaign period is from March 13 to June 20, 2024. The LHD is currently undergoing maintenance work in preparation for the start of plasma experiments. Vacuum pumping and cooling of superconducting coils will start on February 1 and 14, respectively.

Call for proposals for the 25th LHD experimental campaign

To prepare the experimental program of the 25th LHD experimental campaign, we are pleased to invite you to submit experiment proposals. Submission of the proposals will be possible between November 1 and November 30 (AoE), 2023.

Academic Research Platform LHD

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

Demonstration of fusion reactions using advanced fusion fuels

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.