The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) constructed by researchers at the Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP), the CAS Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, drew much attention at the 24th Symposium on Fusion Technology (SOFT) held Sept. 11 to 15 in Warsaw.
The objectives of SOFT are to exchange information on design, construction and operation of fusion experiments and on the technology for present fusion machines, the next step and power plants. It includes oral and poster presentations as well as an industrial and R&D exhibition. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project will be a significant theme of the symposium. About 620 participants from 24 countries attended the conference.
ASIPP Vice Director WU Songtao gave an overview on the EAST project at the plenary session. Approved in 1998 by the Chinese government, the construction of EAST began in 2000. Its scientific and engineering missions are to study physical issues of the advanced steady-state operation modes and to establish technology basis of full superconducting tokamaks for future reactors. The EAST machine assembly has been pre-completed in Jan. 2006. Its first engineering commissioning, began from Feb. 7 and finished on Mar. 17, scored major achievements.
