Fusion and Plasma Physics

The fusion process encompasses light elements, such as hydrogen and its isotopes deuterium and tritium, to merge to heavier elements, such as helium, thereby releasing large amounts of energy in form of MeV neutrons and protons. To harness this energy, a plasma needs to confined either magnetically or inertially, and heated to temperatures in excess of 100 million Kelvins. At these temperatures the fusion process becomes self-sustained by heating of the plasma via energetic by-products, such as helium. The fusion challenge consists in confining the plasma sufficiently long and controlling its interaction with the surrounding walls.

The group’s research activities concentrate on the tokamak concept. We participate in experiments at present fusion facilities, such as ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, and JET, develop and validate computational models for present and future, burning-plasma reactors, such as ITER, and develop diagnostics for fusion relevant experiments.

The group is part of FinnFusion, the domestic agency administrating fusion research within EUROfusion, and member of FuseNet, the European Fusion Education Network facilitating student exchange at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level. The group is supported by the Academy of Finland and other funding agencies.

Research

The main research interests are listed below, including codes, experimental apparatuses and facilities, and major scientific results.

Codes used and developed by the Fusion and Plasma Physics group 

• Particle orbit simulations: ASCOT → contact: Antti Snicker (antti.snicker@vtt.fi)
• Plasma turbulence: ELMFIRE (mothballed)
• Scrape-off layer and plasma-wall interaction

Experimental plasma-wall interaction research

Collaboration with experimental research institutes

Open positions

Currently, there are no vacant positions. However, open application to Prof. Mathias Groth (mathias.groth@aalto.fi) are encouraged and reviewed on case-by-case basis.