Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
|
Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX)
and Computation
Welcome to the Levitated Dipole eXperiment (LDX)
web site. LDX is a novel experimental device designed to explore the
physics of plasma confinement in a magnetic dipole field. What makes
it unique? Besides levitating a 1/2 ton superconducting ring, we will
conduct the first experimental test on the theory of plasma confinement
by adiabatic compressibility. If this concept turns out to be correct,
levitated dipoles may one day make an attractive magnetically confined
fusion energy source. LDX is a collaboration between Columbia
University's Dept. of Applied Physics and the MIT Plasma
Science & Fusion Center and is funded by the Department
of Energy's Office of Fusion Energy.
LDX
Project News
Look here for updates on the status of the LDX design and construction. The LDX
continuation proposal has
been submitted for review.
April 2003: LDX floating coil being prepared for final vacuum weld. Charging coil moved to port for shipping. Read more...
Ask
the Experts
Students and educators: ask a scientist any question about LDX, plasma physics
or fusion energy. Links to other fusion energy sites. Check out the amazing Levitated
Cheerio Experiment.
LDX Coil and Vessel
LDX
Overview
Explore a the workings of the Levitated Dipole Experiment through this presentation
of the planned daily operation of the experiment. Macromedia
Flash required . An older HTML overview is also available here. Further
information about LDX experimental plans have been presented at various forums
and are available here . (top )
Call
for Collaborators
Physicists: as our initial diagnostic set will be limited, we invite collaborators
to work with us on this unique high beta plasma .
Background & Theory
Explore the theoretical foundations of the LDX project, including tantalizing evidence from nature that the concept may be the answer to the fusion energy problem. Or check out our whitepaper . Recent theoretical publications supporting LDX are available here .
Image courtesy: John Spencer, Lowell Observatory
LDR:
The Levitated Dipole Reactor
The most promising fusion cycle would utilize only Deuterium. Learn why a levitated
dipole is ideally suited as a D-D based power source . (top)
77 Massachusetts Avenue, NW16, Cambridge, MA 02139, phone: 617.253.8100, info@psfc.mit.edu
