Helicon Current Drive Achieves First‑Time

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Helicon Current Drive Achieves First‑Time

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Physicists Bob Pinsker, Jeff Lestz, and Bart Van Compernolle of General Atomics reported the first successful experimental demonstration of helicon current drive at the DIII‑D National Fusion Facility, a technique first proposed in the 1980s. The method uses a specific type of high‑frequency radio wave to drive the hot plasma of a fusion reactor, producing an internal electric current that stabilizes the reaction. Earlier equipment could not deliver on the theory, which is why the idea was shelved until now. Major strides in reactor equipment enabled the scientists to test and successfully demonstrate helicon current drive for the first time, as described in a paper published in Physical Review Letters. The technique may allow tokamak reactors to run nonstop, overcoming the intrinsic pulse‑length limits of conventional transformer‑driven tokamaks.

Published 2026-11-09 22:49:39 UTC · Published by JQJO

Published by JQJO Editorial Desk · AI assisted

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Timeline

2026-11-09 — Helicon Current Drive Achieves First‑Time

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: Potentially reduces operational downtime for fusion reactors Possible long-term US impact: Could accelerate commercial fusion power development Most affected groups: Fusion research scientists and energy sector investors Reader priority: High interest for science and technology readers

Coverage notes

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