- Promotor: Prof. Kristel Crombé
- Mentors: Luis Daniel Lopez Rodriguez, Johan Buermans, Arthur Adriaens
- Study programs: Master of Science in Engineering Physics, Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy, Master of Science in Teaching in Science and Technology (Physics and Astronomy), European Master of Science in Nuclear Fusion and Engineering Physics
- Location: Research Centre Juelich (Germany), Royal Military Academy (Brussels), at home
Problem setting
Are you fascinated by plasma physics and its role in controlled nuclear fusion? Would you like to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge diagnostics in a real experimental environment? This thesis offers an exciting opportunity to work on TOMAS (TOroidal MAgnetized System), a unique testbed for wall conditioning and plasma characterization located at the Forschungszentrum Jülich (https://www.fz-juelich.de/) in Germany.
Plasma-surface interactions (PSIs) are critical in fusion devices like ITER and Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), where materials at the reactor walls undergo modifications due to plasma exposure. These interactions can affect plasma purity and overall reactor performance. To mitigate these effects, various wall conditioning techniques—such as plasma-assisted deposition, glow discharge cleaning (GDC), and ion/electron cyclotron plasmas—are being explored. TOMAS is a flexible, hands-on environment where students can directly contribute to understanding and optimizing these techniques.
Technical details of the machine are and earlier results are described in [Goriaev21] and [Buermans24].
[Goriaev21] : A. Goriaev et al., "The upgraded TOMAS device: A toroidal plasma facility for wall conditioning, plasma production, and plasma–surface interaction studies," Rev. Sci. Instrum., 92, 023506 (2021), https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0033229
[Buermans24] : J. Buermans et al., "Characterization of ECRH plasmas in TOMAS", Phys. Plasmas 31, 052510 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0204690
Outside view of the TOMAS machine with various diagnostics.
Inside view of TOMAS during plasma operation, showing the Langmuir probe to measure plasma parameters.
Objectives
This master thesis focuses on the design and implementation of a tangential Electron Cyclotron (EC) wave injection system in TOMAS. EC waves are widely used in fusion plasmas for plasma heating, current drive, and plasma control. By implementing tangential injection, we aim to study its potential benefits for energy deposition and current drive optimization.
Key tasks
Study and Analysis: Investigate the feasibility and impact of adding an additional EC source and waveguide with tangential injection.
Implementation: Design and integrate the new EC source and waveguide into TOMAS.
Experimental Assessments:
- Analyse wave deposition mechanisms, including conversion to the Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW).
- Evaluate the current drive potential of tangential EC wave injection.
Main goal
This project will provide valuable insights into advanced wave injection techniques that are critical for optimizing plasma performance in fusion devices. Your work will contribute to the development of innovative heating and current drive solutions relevant for future reactors like ITER.
Ideal for students passionate about plasma physics and fusion energy, experimental research, hands-on laboratory work and data analysis.
Location
The main location will be the Forschungszentrum in Jülich (close to Aachen, Germany), where the experimental device TOMAS is situated. The student should be prepared to spend a couple of weeks (spread out over the academic year) in Jülich for the preparation and execution of the experiments. Data analysis can be done from home. Discussions with the promotor and supervisor can happen in Ghent, Brussels (Royal Military Academy) or Jülich, as desired.