Alfvén-Driven Flows Quiet Turbulence, Boosting Tokamak Fusion Prospects
Experiments on the DIII-D tokamak show that Alfvén eigenmodes can drive shear flows that suppress plasma turbulence, improving heat confinement and potentially boosting fusion performance. Using the Motional Stark Effect diagnostic, researchers observed AE-driven changes in magnetic structure consistent with self-regulating currents, suggesting a pathway to more efficient confinement—though practical application remains years away; study published in Physical Review Letters.