The Device
JT-60SA is an experimental device based on the tokamak concept, in which a hot gas is confined in a torus-shaped vessel using a magnetic field. The gas will be heated to over 100 million degrees, typically for 100 seconds every hour.
The plasma fuel will be hydrogen or deuterium. Deuterium mimics well the behaviour of a reacting deuterium-tritium plasma in a real power reactor or ITER, without generating large amounts of heat or neutrons. The reaction produces some neutrons directly, plus reactions with tritium, a by-product of one branch of the DD reaction. JT-60SA thus slowly can become radioactive in use, and remote handling of systems near the plasma must be planned.
Based on the objectives of JT-60SA, a conceptual design for the device was prepared in 2005, describing the components and operating parameters. This was improved in 2008, and an Integrated Design Report was produced at the end of 2008 that will be used as the basis for procurement. Read more >>
JT-60SA is financed jointly by Europe and Japan. The European procurements are voluntarily contributed by the participating European countries. Read more >>
Work is already underway to establish the research plan during operation. Read more >>
The JT-60SA design was updated at the end of 2008 and reported in the Integrated Design Report. Read more >>