Recent Burning Plasma workshops focused on the plasma science that can be learned. In fact, the success and the legacy of a Burning Plasma Science Experiment resides in large part in the ability to properly measure the plasma properties, which will define the knowledge to be gotten from the undertaking. Is the present state-of-the-art in diagnostics and current progress in diagnostic development sufficient to support the studies of Burning Plasma Experiments? Are the plans for diagnostics tie in with a global road map, which would lead to a fusion reactor? Is there a global/national diagnostic development and integration that would lead to successful and productive experiment?
Specifically, in assessing the various proposals for BP experiments, such as ITER, FIRE and Ignitor, is there a proper balance between the physics requirements and the technology and scientific capability of the diagnostics? Consequently, does it appear from the plans for diagnostics that:
In parallel, are the physics requirements for these experiments:
Diagnostics assessment grid - 7 June 2002
DRAFT - Assessment of the diagnostic systems for the 3 options - 7 June 2002
Fall 2001:
- List of conveners for diagnostics subgroup.
- Charter/charge to the group.
- Assessors identified, promoters identified.
January 2002:
- Information gathered about diagnostics, requirements and issues.
- Review measurement requirements versus mission by January 15th.
December 2001 - January 2002:
- Disseminate "open" letter from the diagnostic subgroup to other.
- Subgroups to identify/refine physics requirements.
- Distinguish between control and science/physics quantities.
- Use the fact that many ITPA meetings are in the US!
- Invite people to have a discussion/agenda item at their own meeting.
- Reach out to diagnostic community, junior staff and university.
January 2002 - February 2002:
- Establish "grid" of requirements versus plan/design.
- Establish criteria.
- Assess the well-established diagnostics aspects versus the problematic or unknown.
- Identify technological versus "political" aspects.
March 2002:
- ITPA (GA), review inputs from all subgroups, participants, and perform initial written assessment of options.
April 2002:
- Distribute initial assessment for review, completeness and comments.
July 2002 (HTPD-Wisconsin):
- Reach out to diagnostic community and present next to final version.
We strongly support the interaction with young scientists, either students or early in their career. Please, encourage them to participate.