Achieving Fusion
Visualisation of particle trajectories inside of the TCV tokamak © 2024 EPFL / Laboratory for Experimental Museology (EM+) – CC-BY-SA 4.0
The Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) is a world-leading facility exploring a wide range of plasma physics problems relevant to the field of fusion research. TCV’s research is supported by EUROFusion, the European Union’s fusion energy research program, and by Swiss national funding, allowing it to conduct cutting-edge experiments and contribute to international fusion projects, including ITER and DEMO. These funding sources enable TCV to contribute to the global effort to achieve sustainable and clean energy from nuclear fusion.
Explore some of the topics of active research at TCV:
Core transport and turbulence
The barrier to reducing energy losses, improving core plasma performance, and enhancing overall reactor efficiency.
Fast particles
Fast ions and electrons play a crucial role in affecting the fusion reaction rate but can also damage the reactor’s first wall.
Disruptions and runaway electrons
TCV investigates procedures to avoid damage to plasma-facing components in these perilous scenarios.
Boundary plasma and exhaust
Developing methods for effectively handling the extreme heat loads generated during fusion reactions.
Plasma Control
Fast, real-time adjustments of plasma shape, current profile, and magnetic field to optimise confinement and avoid instabilities.