Plasma Heating
Plasma heating is a process used to increase the temperature of plasma, a state of matter consisting of charged particles. This technique is essential in various applications, including nuclear fusion research, where high temperatures are needed to sustain fusion reactions. By using methods like radiofrequency heating or neutral beam injection, energy is transferred to the plasma, raising its temperature to millions of degrees.
In fusion reactors, maintaining high plasma temperatures is crucial for achieving the conditions necessary for fusion to occur. Effective plasma heating helps to confine the plasma and improve its stability, which is vital for the success of experiments aimed at harnessing fusion energy as a clean and sustainable power source.