ITER: burning plasma physics experiment

Abstract

The ITER project has an overall programmatic objective `to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful purposes'. The ITER tokamak design is the embodiment of the finding, endorsed by all the parties to the project, that `the full non-linear interplay between alpha-particle heating, confinement barriers and pressure and profile control, and their compatibility with a divertor can be addressed only in an integrated step'. This step involves not only the study of fusion burning plasma physics but also the demonstration of key items of fusion reactor technology.