<< The challenge of fusion energy is often equated to capturing- and holding-lightning in a bottle. The analogy is apt. Lightning and a fusion energy plasma have a lot in common >> [1]
AA << found another characteristic shared between the two types of plasmas: an odd electromagnetic wave known as a whistler >> [1]
<< Intermittent bursts of activity indicate that whistlers are interacting with relativistic electrons in a cyclic manner >> [1]
<< The mode amplitudes show intermittent time variations correlated with changes in the electron cyclotron emission that follow predator-prey cycles >> [2]
<< the Team thinks there is a way to inject whistlers into a plasma to control runaway electrons. The whistlers would bleed energy from the particles, making them less likely to run away. The whistlers would bleed energy from the particles, making them less likely to run away.>> [1]
[1] - US Department of Energy. Fusion scientists find inspiration in atmospheric whistles. May 3, 2018. https://m.phys.org/news/2018-05-fusion-scientists-atmospheric.html
[2] - Spong DA, Heidbrink WW, et al. First Direct Observation of Runaway-Electron-Driven Whistler Waves in Tokamaks. Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 155002 - Publ. Apr 11, 2018. https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.155002
