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Atomic and Molecular Data for State-resolved Modelling of Hydrogen and Helium and their Isotopes in Fusion Plasma
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
F43019CRP
1744Approved Date
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
25 July 2017Description
In the divertor and near-wall region of magnetic confinement fusion plasma experiments processes involving neutral atoms, molecules and molecular ions are important. The primary plasma constituents are hydrogen and helium and their isotopes and the molecules and molecular ions may be in rovibrationally or electronically excited states. For a complete description one needs cross-sections for collisions with electrons, collisions among the heavy particles, photon-induced and radiative processes and processes on the walls, all resolved with respect to excited states. The objective of the present CRP is to evaluate existing data for the relevant atomic and molecular processes of hydrogen and helium, generate new fundamental atomic and molecular data where this is needed, and assemble the information into a knowledge base and numerical databases for use by the fusion community. The knowledge base will include numerical data in fully resolved form and in reduced forms that are directly useful in plasma modelling.
Objectives
To increase capabilities of Member States to undertake fusion plasma modelling and simulation of present and future experiments and reactor designs through improved data for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction processes, and thereby to contribute to the development of fusion energy generation.
Specific objectives
To assemble, generate and evaluate fundamental and derived data for collisional and radiative processes of H, H+, H-, He, He+, He2+, He-, H2, H2+, H3+, HeH+, He2+ and their isotopic variants, resolved with respect to excited states, in a fusion plasma environment. Fundamental data include cross-sections for collisions with electrons and collisions among themselves, photon-induced processes, lifetimes of excited states, and line shapes of the principal emissions. Derived data are effective cross-sections and rate coefficients for collisional-radiative modelling of the divertor and edge region, beam plasma interaction and the neutral beam heating system of fusion energy experiments.
Impact
The CRP brought together leading researchers from three different communities: fusion plasma modellers, non-fusion plasma scientists, and researchers from atomic and molecular collision physics. The main direct impact of the CRP is the exchange of information and of motivation among the participating scientists from these three communities.
Relevance
Plasma behaviour in the divertor region is critically influenced by the atomic and molecular processes that are the subject of this CRP; in turn, the operation of a fusion reactor demands successful control of the power and particle balance in the divertor. Atomic and molecular data for hydrogen and helium in fusion plasma remain highly relevant for fusion energy development.