Russian physicists claim that dust, nano-size particles of which form on the walls of plasma magnetic traps, has positive effect on thermonuclear reactor’s operation.
      
      Tokamak is a closed magnetic trap, aimed at creation and confinement of high-temperature plasma. Such reactors may perform controlled thermonuclear fusion – fusion of two light nuclei, resulting in heavier nuclei and energy release. Plasma is a state, which is common for all substances under extremely high temperatures. Normal conditions means plasma doesn’t “touch” walls of tokamak; however, some particles in reality may reach them and lead to erosion.
      
      Nanostructures, which usually form as a result of erosion, don’t do any good to the reactor – they accumulate tritium, which is expensive and radioactive.
      
      Studies of dust films in tokamaks revealed that they have mainly consisted of wolfram and hydrocarbons and were either even, or with complex relief. Scientists suggest a technique for removal of hydrogen isotopes form these films. Moreover, researchers found out that this dust can have a positive effect – it helps maintain stable palms discharge due to making plasma denser and lowering its temperature.
      
      Source: Science News
Author: Anna Kizilova