Collaboration between the existing large tokamak facilities, i.e., JET (EURATOM), JT-60 (Japan) and DIIID and C-MOD (United States), is key to improve understanding of physics of the operational regime for ITER, the first, 500-MW fusion experimental reactor, the construction of which is currently under consideration in the framework of the international fusion program.

The Implementing Agreement promotes collaboration among the large tokamak facilities and enables teams from each tokamak facility to co-ordinate their research activities to accelerate scientific and technological advances. Focus of the collaboration is the physics of high performance plasmas.

Main areas of interest are: high-beta poloidal plasma, control of major plasma disruptions, and development of divertor technology. Joint papers have been presented at major international meetings and conferences. A disruption database was created by merging data from JET and JT-60. Divertor plate prototypes have been constructed and tested, making best use of the different capabilities of the large tokamaks.

High-capacity, dedicated communications links allow remote participation in experiments and exchange of detailed information. This enables different institutions involved in the collaboration to use a variety of different techniques to analyse the outcomes of experiments. The co-operation enables best use of the different capabilities of the large Tokamaks in developing the necessary physics basis and testing reactor components.

Large Tokamaks
Co-operative R&D to increase the effectiveness of the international research on tokamak fusion devices