Plasma heating is a critical process in achieving the high temperatures necessary for nuclear fusion reactions, where energy is produced by fusing atomic nuclei. Various methods like ohmic heating, radiofrequency heating, and neutral beam injection are employed to increase the kinetic energy of particles within the plasma, facilitating the conditions needed for sustained fusion reactions.

Plasma Heating

Nuclear fusion reactions

High Temperatures

Energy production is the process of generating energy from primary sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable resources to meet human consumption needs. It involves complex systems and technologies that convert these sources into usable electricity or fuel, impacting economic, environmental, and social dimensions globally.

Energy Production

Fusing atomic nuclei

Ohmic heating, also known as Joule heating, is the process of converting electrical energy into heat energy by passing an electric current through a conductor. This phenomenon is widely utilized in various applications, including food processing and sterilization, due to its ability to uniformly heat materials with high efficiency.

Ohmic Heating

Radiofrequency heating is a process that uses electromagnetic waves in the radiofrequency range to generate heat within a material, typically used for industrial, medical, and food processing applications. It offers rapid and uniform heating, making it efficient for processes like polymer curing, tumor ablation, and pasteurization.

Radiofrequency Heating

Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) is a technique used in plasma physics to heat and drive current in fusion reactors by injecting high-energy neutral atoms into the plasma. These neutral atoms penetrate the magnetic fields confining the plasma, transferring their energy through collisions, thereby increasing the plasma temperature and aiding in sustaining the fusion reaction.

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