October 23, 2025
The Dual-Electron Cyclotron Emission Based Measurement of 3D Structures on DIII-D Tokamak
Our collaborative paper, “The Dual-Electron Cyclotron Emission Based Measurement of 3D Structures on DIII-D Tokamak”, led by Xiaoliang Li and Guanying Yu (University of California, Davis), has been accepted for publication in Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion.
The study introduces a dual-Electron Cyclotron Emission (dual-ECE) diagnostic method for detecting three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic structures—such as locked modes and magnetic islands—essential for maintaining plasma stability in fusion devices. Unlike traditional magnetic diagnostics, which face material and radiation limitations in future Fusion Pilot Plants (FPPs), the dual-ECE approach provides a non-invasive, microwave-based solution using two toroidally separated ECE systems.
Experiments on DIII-D demonstrate that dual-ECE accurately identifies the onset and structure of locked modes and resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs), enabling disruption-free real-time control. Simulations further indicate that small magnetic islands (width > 2 cm) can be detected in ITER plasmas, showing strong potential for improving stability monitoring and control in next-generation reactors.
This work was carried out through a collaboration between University of California, Davis; Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center (China); Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; General Atomics; University of Texas – Austin; University of California, Irvine; Auburn University; University of California, San Diego; and Princeton University.
Read the accepted manuscript here: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6587/ae163d