Fusion research has accelerated since fusion energy has now been accepted as one of the few energy options for the future due to serious energy problems. Such problems include exhaustion of fossil fuels, environmental problems such as global warming caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) was launched in December 1995. Currently, it is in the process of manufacturing and assembly of its facilities.

The UC Davis Plasma Diagnostic Group is developing two innovative microwave imaging systems for plasma diagnostics on the  KSTAR Tokomak.   An Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging Radiometer (ECEI) is being developed to measure electron temperature fluctuations and profiles.  A Microwave Imaging Reflectometer (MIR) is being developed to measure electron density fluctuations and profiles. These two diagnostic instruments are included in the KSTAR Diagnostic Layout.

KSTAR is a very important project for the scientific community, and it will make critical contributions to the world fusion research and development program. The project will be the most technically advanced fusion energy device in the world when it is completed. It is designed to incorporate the current, most advanced technologies for plasma confinement, including divertor operation and non-circular plasma configurations.  In addition, the project employs the most up-to-date plasma heating technologies, such as high power, long pulse RF heating at ion cyclotron frequencies, electron-cyclotron heating with state-of-the-art gyrotrons, and powerful neutral beam injection.

KSTAR will be an all-superconducting tokamak , with a major radius of 1.8 m, a plasma current of 2 MA and a toroidal field of 3.5 T.“Steady-state” plasma operation sustained by non-inductive current drive for periods of up to 300 s is anticipated by 2015; pulse duration capability during the “basic” operation phase —scheduled for 2008–2013 — will be 20 s. Other machine parameters and KSTAR frequency characteristics can be found in the KSTAR Parameters.

Construction is now is 85.6% complete, 13 of 16 TF coils are finished and tokamak assembly has started. Initial operation will be at the end of 2007.  Please check the latest news in the Status & Links