Experiment-time Analysis of Fusion Data

Nuclear fusion has long promised to provide a safe and clean source of virtually limitless energy. Developing efficient devices that fulfill that potential sustainably demands a scientific and engineering effort that is a major area of plasma physics research today.

A tokamak is an experimental machine designed to harness the energy of fusion using a powerful magnetic field to confine plasma in the shape of a torus (a doughnut-like shape). Achieving a stable plasma equilibrium requires precise control of the magnetic field lines that wind around the torus in a helical shape.

Argonne researchers led a successful integration effort with the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, a DOE Office of Science User Facility in San Diego.

To study magnetic confinement in fusion energy, DIII-D scientists conduct fast-paced plasma physics experiments that involve creating six-second pulses of confined plasma every 15 to 20 minutes. Planning for each new pulse is informed by data analysis of the previous pulse, which is only possible if the analysis is completed quickly enough to influence calibration of the device for the next experiment.

To help the DIII-D team obtain these results on a between-pulse timescale, the Argonne team worked with DIII-D to develop a workflow (using Globus Flows) triggered immediately when experiment data arrived. The workflow submits a job to Polaris at the ALCF in the on-demand queue, ensuring that the job will be allocated as quickly as possible. Once running, the application retrieves data directly from databases at DIII-D, performs the analysis in parallel using Polaris GPUs, and writes the results back to DIII-D for review by scientists in the control room.

Learn more about Argonne’s work with DIII-D.