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Tokamak

A tokamak is a device that uses magnetic fields to confine plasma in the shape of a torus (donut shape). The name comes from the Russian acronym for “toroidal chamber with magnetic coils.”

Definition

Section titled “Definition”

A tokamak is a magnetic confinement fusion device characterized by its toroidal (donut-shaped) geometry. It uses a combination of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields to confine hot plasma, with the plasma current itself contributing to the magnetic field configuration.

How It Works

Section titled “How It Works”
  1. A toroidal magnetic field is generated by external coils wrapped around the torus
  2. A poloidal magnetic field is created by inducing an electric current in the plasma itself
  3. The combination of these fields creates helical magnetic field lines that confine the plasma

Key Components

Section titled “Key Components”
  • Toroidal field coils
  • Central solenoid (for plasma current induction)
  • Poloidal field coils
  • Vacuum vessel
  • Divertor (for heat and particle exhaust)

Examples

Section titled “Examples”
  • ITER (under construction in France)
  • JET (Joint European Torus, UK)
  • KSTAR (Korea)
  • JT-60SA (Japan)
Section titled “Related Terms”