Torus (nuclear physics)

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In nuclear physics a torus is a large fusion reactor which is shaped like an elliptical or circular torus. Examples are JET in the UK, JT-60 in Japan, TFTR in the USA and the proposed ITER.

The name of 'torus' is a generic term used to describe these new types of fusion reactors. They are tokamak-based reactors, where intense magnetic fields are generated to confine elements in a plasma state. The torus is usually compared to a doughnut, since its main confinement chamber is shaped like a doughnut. The reason for this is that a torus is the optimal shape to generate a magnetic field around with minimal irregularities in the field.

See also

• Toroid
• Tokamak

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