Plasma Start-Up Physics

The delicate sequence of breakdown, ramp-up and reaching the operating point.

Sequence

Breakdown → ramp → flat-top

Start-up must break down the gas, ramp the current while keeping the profile stable, and reach the operating point without tripping instabilities — all within the flux budget. It is a physics-rich sequence, especially in a compact machine with a small solenoid.

A robust start-up scenario is part of demonstrating operability.