HOMEResearch
Research
Topics
A. Theory and numerical simulations for turbulence and spontaneous structure formation in fusion plasmas
@To realize fusion energy, it is necessary to stably confine a high-pressure plasma for a long time in a limited narrow space. However, the steep pressure gradient formed at that time becomes a free energy source, and fluctuations of various scales are excited in the plasma. They often become turbulent, causing large heat and particle transport in the plasma, while spontaneously forming laminar flows (zonal flows) to improve confinement.
@In our laboratory, we have developed an original numerical simulation code (Global Gyrokinetic Simulation Code: GKNET) based on the first principles of plasma, which is rare in the world. Using this code, we are conducting simulation research on turbulence and spontaneous order formation in fusion plasma. ¨Details
B. Theory and numerical simulations for burning fusion plasma confinement
@There are many unsolved problems in the physics of fusion combustion plasma, which provides energy on a practical scale, and it is expected that combustion plasma confinement experiments at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER, which is currently under construction, will elucidate them (Wikipedia)
@In our laboratory, we investigate the physics of plasma in the combustion state such as ITER using the global gyrokinetic simulation code "GKNET". Then, based on our understanding of combustion plasma physics, we are predicting plasma confinement in ITER and future demonstration reactors. ¨ΪΧ
C. Theory and numerical simulations for MHD phenomena in fusion and space plasmas
@Phenomena involving large-scale changes in the magnetic field are called magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) phenomena, and they have a significant impact on the confinement performance of fusion plasma and the formation of various structures of space plasma. In particular, magnetic field line reconnection, a phenomenon called magnetic reconnection, is important for plasma confinement by magnetic fields and solar phenomena.
@In our laboratory, we analyze nuclear fusion and magnetohydrodynamic phenomena in the universe with a focus on magnetic reconnection using the global gyrokinetic simulation code "GKNET" and particle simulation code.¨Details.
D. Modeling based on data-driven science / Experiment and simulation for laser-produced plasmas
@With the rapid progress of laser technology in recent years, high-intensity lasers with extremely short pulse lengths from femtoseconds to picoseconds and output powers ranging from terawatts to petawatts have been developed. By irradiating various materials with such a laser, the materials are instantly ionized and the electrons are accelerated to near the speed of light. In other words, it is possible to generate an unprecedented "high energy density plasma" governed by the theory of relativity. This high-energy-density plasma is expected to be used in a wide range of applied research in medicine, industry, and academia, such as the development of next-generation compact particle beam cancer treatment devices, nuclear fusion, and elucidation of the origin of high-energy cosmic rays. Still, the plasma vanishes on a very short time scale, usually about the pulse length of the laser. Therefore, maintaining (confining) a high-energy-density plasma state for a long is a key point for applied research.
@In our laboratory, based on such simulation research on the interaction between ultra-high-intensity lasers and matter, we conduct various academic and applied research related to the science of high energy density states, including laser fusion research is working on. At the same time, in collaboration with researchers in laser science, we are conducting high-intensity laser irradiation experiments at large-scale laser facilities such as the RIKEN X-ray free electron laser (SACLA) and the Kyoto University Science Research Institute's T6 laser. In addition, by utilizing a leading-edge semiconductor technology, we are developing targets precisely designed on the order of micrometers, which is unparalleled worldwide.
D. Modeling based on data-driven science / Experiment and simulation for laser-produced plasmas
@In general, plasma has a complex dynamic due to its strong nonlinearity, and even if results are obtained from simulations, humans often cannot understand the physics behind the large-scale data.
@In our laboratory, we are developing a machine learning algorithm that infers what kind of partial differential equation governs the data by machine learning the obtained data using a methodology called a neural network.¨Details
Experiment and numerical simulations of laser-produced high-energy-density plasmas
@With the rapid progress of laser technology in recent years, it has become possible to generate unprecedented "high-energy-density plasma", and it is expected to be applied to a wide range of applications such as next-generation small particle beam cancer therapy devices.
@In our laboratory, we are conducting simulation research on the interaction between ultra-high-intensity lasers and materials, and experimental research on irradiation of high-intensity lasers in parallel. In addition, we also create targets that make full use of cutting-edge semiconductor technology.¨Details
