Atomic Physics and Thermonuclear Fusion Research

Abstract

Presently thermonuclear fusion research is faced with a number of atomic and molecular physics problems depending on the type of high-temperature plasma investigated. The present article discusses some particular atomic physics aspects in connection with magnetically confined plasmas (Tokamaks, Stellarators): (1) rate equations for density, momentum and energy with application to plasmas; (2) initial phase of Tokamak plasmas; (3) influence of impurity radiation on operating conditions of fusion plasmas in general and on Tokamak plasmas in particular; (4) influence of atomic elementary reactions on thermodynamic plasma properties; (5) level structures of highly ionized atoms; (6) spectroscopic diagnostic problems.