Plasma Heating and Current Drive

Plasma heating and current drive are techniques used in fusion research to control and sustain plasma, a hot ionized gas where fusion reactions occur. Plasma heating raises the temperature to millions of degrees, often using methods like microwaves or particle beams, to achieve conditions similar to those in the sun. Current drive refers to the process of generating electrical currents within the plasma, crucial for maintaining stability and confinement. Together, these methods create and maintain the high-energy environment needed for fusion, aiming to produce clean, abundant energy, mimicking the natural processes that power stars.