LABORATORIES - The Nuclear Fusion Research Education Program｜The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences

Laboratories

Academic Staff

ProfessorsMichiaki Inomoto
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesadvanced plasma science and engineering　Expertisehigh-beta plasmas, spherical tokamaks, magnetic reconnection

Using the spherical tokamak UTST as the main experimental apparatus, research at the Inomoto laboratory focuses on experiments aimed at the realization of high-beta configurations for high-performance fusion plasmas, establishment of high-beta plasma heating and maintenance methods using neutral particle beams, and realization of an internal current steady state plasma source with the aid of rotating magnetic fields.

ProfessorsAkira Ejiri
Dep. of Complexity Science and Engineering
LecturesTurbulence-induced Transport　Expertisespherical tokamaks, plasma diagnostics

Our research focuses on the investigation of plasma instabilities and novel measurements techniques through the spherical tokamak TST-2. The Ejiri laboratory is also involved in several national and international collaborations.

ProfessorsRyo Ono
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesapplied plasma engineering, plasma measurement methods　Expertisemeasurement, modeling and applications of non-equilibrium plasma at atmospheric pressure

We are engaged in applied and basic research using reactions of active species generated in plasmas. In addition to a wide range of applied research, including plasma medical applications, environmental applications, aeronautical engineering applications, ignition combustion applications, and surface treatment, we also conduct laser measurements and simulations.

ProfessorsShin Kajita
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesedge plasma science and technology　Expertiseplasma diagnostics, plasma material interactions, applied material research

Using linear plasma devices, we are investigating plasma-material interactions and developing plasma diagnostic techniques. We are also focusing on the phenomenon of nanofuzz, which is formed by the interaction between metals and helium plasma, and we are also working on the industrial application of the fabricated materials.

ProfessorsKoji Shinohara
Dep. of Complexity Science and Engineering
Lecturesintroduction to plasma physics　Expertisephysics of high energy ions in plasmas, fusion plasmas

On the Kashiwa campus, we are conducting plasma physics research using a spherical tokamak device (TST-2) or developing novel diagnostics and analysis methods. We are also conducting joint research with facilities in Japan and overseas. In particular, we are conducting research and development of diagnostics and analysis tools for JT-60SA, which was newly constructed at the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (Ibaraki), by using the data measured in its predecessor JT-60U.

Visiting ProfessorsYasushi Todo
Dep. of Complexity Science and Engineering
Expertisehigh energy particles, numerical simulations, magnetohydrodynamics

We are conducting research on high-energy particles and magnetohydrodynamic phenomena in magnetically confined plasmas using large-scale computer simulations through supercomputers. We are promoting joint research both in Japan and overseas, targeting the large helical device (LHD) and tokamaks.

Associate ProfessorsHaruhiko Saito
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesnonlinear science, fundamental plasma physics　Expertiseexperimental plasma physics, nonneutral plasmas, antimatter traps

The Saitoh laboratory conducts experimental research on high-performance plasma generation and structure formation, focusing on the RT-1 magnetospheric plasma experimental device. Using the excellent confinement properties of magnetospheric configurations, we are advancing research aimed at realizing antimatter plasmas such as positron plasmas.

Associate ProfessorsHiroshi Tanabe
Dep. of Advanced Energy
LecturesPlasma measurements methods, Applied plasma engineering, Nonlinear Science　Expertisespherical tokamaks, magnetic reconnection, plasma diagnostics

Focusing on merging spherical tokamak experiments, we are working on heating and transport phenomena inside the plasma core by applying advanced diagnostics techniques. We actively search for new ideas using the TS-6 device, which is more flexible than large-scale experiments. In recent years, we have been actively promoting international joint research including cooperation with the ST40 experiment of a British fusion venture.

Associate ProfessorsNaoto Tsujii
Dep. of Complexity Science and Engineering
LecturesPlasma wave physic　Expertisespherical tokamaks, plasma waves, plasma measurement

We study fusion plasma generation and control using plasma waves through experiments and numerical simulations. We develop advanced tokamak operation scenarios using waves on the TST-2 spherical tokamak, as well as perform numerical modeling of wave heating on large fusion experiments such as JT-60SA and LHD.

Visiting Associate ProfessorsShunsuke Usami
Dep. of Advanced Energy
LecturesPlasma wave physics　Expertisespherical tokamaks, plasma waves, plasma measurement

Magnetic reconnection is a process in which magnetic field energy is released explosively, and is a universal phenomenon observed in various plasmas. We reproduce magnetic reconnection by particle simulations with the aid of supercomputers and investigate the phenomenon in detail. Our main research theme at present is the investigation of the mechanism of plasma heating that occurs through magnetic reconnection.

Visiting Associate ProfessorsMasahiro Kobayashi
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesfusion plasma science　Expertisetoroidal plasma confinement, plasma radiative cooling, plasma physics

We are working on plasma radiative cooling of peripheral region in nuclear fusion reactors and its impact on confinement performance. We are conducting our main experiments on the LHD device at National Institute for Fusion Science, as well as through collaborations with overseas experiments, such W7-X (Germany) and EAST (China). We are also conducting joint research in the fields of synchrotron radiation science and astrobiology in order to explore the common scientific principle behind divertor plasmas in nuclear fusion devices and interstellar plasmas.

Visiting Associate ProfessorsMasaki Nishiura
Dep. of Advanced Energy
Lecturesfundamental plasma theory　Expertisecollective plasma phenomena, high energy particle measurement, physics of plasma heating

We are conducting basic research on plasma heating, high performance plasmas, and confinement physics using the magnetospheric plasma device RT-1. For this purpose, we are developing advanced measuring instruments tailored for fusion plasmas. We are also conducting joint research on plasma transport using advanced measurement techniques with the large helical device LHD located at the National Institute for Fusion Science.