- published: 13 Nov 2015
- views: 33122
A tokamak is a device using a magnetic field to confine a plasma in the shape of a torus. Achieving a stable plasma equilibrium requires magnetic field lines that move around the torus in a helical shape. Such a helical field can be generated by adding a toroidal field (traveling around the torus in circles) and a poloidal field (traveling in circles orthogonal to the toroidal field). In a tokamak, the toroidal field is produced by electromagnets that surround the torus, and the poloidal field is the result of a toroidal electric current that flows inside the plasma. This current is induced inside the plasma with a second set of electromagnets.
The tokamak is one of several types of magnetic confinement devices, and is one of the most-researched candidates for producing controlled thermonuclear fusion power. Magnetic fields are used for confinement since no solid material could withstand the extremely high temperature of the plasma. An alternative to the tokamak is the stellarator.
Tokamaks were invented in the 1950s by Soviet physicists Igor Tamm and Andrei Sakharov, inspired by an original idea of Oleg Lavrentiev.
Why are you still in bed?
You think it's still alright
Should quit while I'm ahead
While it's alright
Stop holding tight
I can't get over this
'Coz I'm useless
And my mind says
I don't belong with you
I guess I need to
Take my cue
It's so empty and tense
It ain't alright
Am I making sense
I hope it's alright
We'll see the light
'Can't stay here in the dark
Where I'll drown in tears
Dont' wanna cry no more
'Can't stay here in the dark
Where I'll drown in tears
Dont wanna cry no more
Let's just close the door