Achievement of Sustained Net Plasma Heating in a Fusion Experiment with the Optometrist Algorithm

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Computational science
• Applied mathematics

Background:

• Optimizing high-dimensional complex systems is crucial for scientific advancement.
• Plasma fusion experiments present significant challenges due to nonlinear dynamics and lack of single objective metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient optimization method for complex, high-dimensional systems.
• To address the challenge of optimizing plasma fusion experiments with multiple, conflicting objectives.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Optometrist Algorithm, a novel stochastic perturbation method.
• Integrated human subjective choice into the optimization loop, analogous to an eyeglass prescription process.

Main Results:

• Discovered an unprecedented plasma confinement regime in a field-reversed configuration.
• Achieved positive net heating power with over 50% reduction in energy loss rate.
• Observed increased ion temperature and total plasma energy.

Conclusions:

• The Optometrist Algorithm effectively navigates complex experimental landscapes.
• This method facilitates breakthroughs in fusion energy research.
• Human-guided optimization can accelerate scientific discovery in challenging fields.