- Swiss National Science Foundation Grant to Increase the Electronic Efficiency of Gyrotrons
Gyrotrons are currently the preferred source for plasma heating in fusion reactors. However, their energy efficiency is currently limited to 40-50%, significantly affecting the overall energy efficiency of a fusion reactor, which involves dozens of gyrotrons.
To improve the electronic efficiency of gyrotrons, a multi-stage electron beam energy recovery approach is being considered. This method involves recovering part of the energy from electrons by separating their trajectories based on their kinetic energy and directing them to appropriate electrode stages. However, implementing this strategy in the gyrotrons currently used for fusion presents significant physical and technological challenges.
In this context, we have secured a grant from the SNSF to develop, design, and test a multi-stage depressed collector (MSDC) in collaboration with ETH Zurich. To minimize technological risks, the project will focus on the development and testing of the MSDC with a low-power gyrotron used for spectroscopy.
- Swiss national supercomputing center funds tokamak boundary simulation project
The Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) will fund the project “Toward the next generation simulation of the tokamak boundary” led by the SPC and involving collaborations with the Institute of Mathematics and the Scientific IT and Application support Center (SCITAS) at EPFL. The SPC proposal is among the fourteen funded through the Platform for Advances Scientific Computing (PASC), out of 35 that were submitted.
The goal of the project is to allow an interdisciplinary team composed of plasma physicists, HPC experts and applied mathematicians, to redesign the numerical algorithms behind the GBS code, used for the simulation of the tokamak boundary. GBS will be reimplemented using modern programming paradigms, fully exploiting the potential of high-end GPU-accelerated supercomputers and, ultimately, enabling the next generation of simulations of the tokamak boundary.
The final objective is to make ITER simulations feasible. Complementing the ongoing activities, the CSCS grant will support a post-doctoral researcher and a HPC specialist for three years, and further strengthen our collaborations with the Institute of Mathematics and SCITAS.
- Swiss national science foundation grant to improve helium plasma diagnostics
The proposal, “LCIF Spectroscopy of Helium Plasmas for Fusion,”’ has been funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)! This project aims at advancing helium plasma diagnostics and improving collisional-radiative (CR) models by leveraging state-of-the-art laser spectroscopic techniques, including Laser Collisional Induced Fluorescence (LCIF) and Thomson Scattering. Experiments will be performed on the Resonant Antenna Ion Device (RAID) and will focus on the direct measurement of electron impact excitation rates in divertor-relevant plasma regimes. This will allow addressing key gaps in the predictive capabilities of CR models, particularly in detached plasmas—a regime where existing diagnostic methods, such as MANTIS, encounter significant challenges. Additionally, the project will explore the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance spectral data analysis and optimize model predictions.
The project will last three years and involve two PhD students, Amelie Renggli (joined SPC on December 1) and Vanni Meier (joining January 1), as well as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Recruitment for the PostDoc position is currently underway.
This work will advance helium plasma diagnostics, contributing to improved tools for fusion reactors and enhancing our understanding of astrophysical plasmas.
- Save the date
A workshop to build a stronger and more respectful workplace
We are pleased to invite all SPC Lausanne members to participate in the workshop “Inclusive Success: Everyone’s Voice Matters”. Starting March 18, three interactive and practical sessions will help us respond effectively to discrimination and support our colleagues in challenging situations.
This initiative follows the workshops organized at Signal de Bougy in 2022, where a dedicated working group on “equality, diversity, and inclusion” facilitated constructive exchanges, leading to the creation of this event. At the request of the Direction, a working group was formed to design this workshop. It will be facilitated by Dr. Bettina Palazzo, an expert in ethical leadership.
The workshop will include open discussions and role-playing activities to encourage positive and inclusive behaviors.
When?
- March 18, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Workshop in French (choose one)
- March 19, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Workshop in English (choose one)
- March 26, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop conclusion in French & English (for everyone)
A meal will be provided for participants of the first two workshops. More details to follow.
The Direction strongly encourages all SPC members to attend this workshop, and we hope to see many of you there!