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1951
In March, Lyman Spitzer, Jr. proposes to the Atomic Energy Commission
(AEC) the construction of a magnetic plasma device to study controlled
fusion.
- On July 1, the AEC approves funding. The research effort becomes part of
Project Matterhorn, a classified project studying the hydrogen bomb. Spitzer
heads the controlled thermonuclear research section. A former rabbit hutch
becomes the initial home for the Project.
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1953
Princeton's first research device is the Model A stellarator. Experiments
compare plasma confinement in the figure-8 geometry with confinement
in a simple racetrack geometry.
Basic idea for Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) of the plasma is set
forth.
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1955
Ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory is used to formulate a variational
energy principle. The principle provides a powerful method to analyze the
gross MHD stability of plasmas in different magnetic confinement
configurations.
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1957
The B-65 stellarator begins operation in November. It is frequently operated
without energizing its helical field coils, in a geometry now known as a
tokamak. Use of a toroidal-field divertor leads to marked improvement in
plasma purity and higher temperatures.
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1958
Controlled thermonuclear research is declassified. In September, Princeton
exhibits a working stellarator (B-2) in Geneva, Switzerland, at the United
Nations' Second International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic
Energy. Click here for a stellarator article by Dr. B. Ellis Jr.
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The Model B-3, the last figure-8 stellarator built at Princeton, begins
operation. It is used intensively during the 1960s to study plasma transport.
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Project Matterhorn's first linear device, L-1, begins operation for the study
of basic plasma physics.
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1959
The first Princeton doctoral degree in plasma physics is awarded. Since
then, nearly 200 students have received doctorates-- many have gone on
to be scientific leaders in the field.
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