National Spherical Torus Experiment: Collaborative Research on Configuration Optimization

The Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) Program of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its interest in receiving grant applications for collaborative research on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The NSTX program contributes to two goals of the FES program: developing a predictive understanding of magnetically confined plasmas and investigating the unique properties of the spherical torus configuration. All individuals or groups planning to submit applications for new or renewal funding in Fiscal Year 2011 should submit applications in response to this FOA. Applications for collaborative research focused primarily on implementing a diagnostic instrument on NSTX or on operating a diagnostic instrument and analyzing the resulting data should not be submitted in response to this FOA. The NSTX program helps to build the scientific foundations for fusion energy by both contributing to the fundamental understanding of magnetically confined plasmas and assessing the attractiveness of the spherical torus for future fusion facilities. Applications for collaborative research must support the NSTX Program by addressing key scientific issues related to one or more of the following topics: Macroscopic Stability, Multi-Scale Transport Physics, Plasma Boundary Interfaces, Energetic Particles, Start-up, Ramp-up and Sustainment without a Solenoid, and Advanced Operating Scenarios. To be considered for funding, applicants must have discussed their proposed research with the NSTX National Research Program Leaders and must include a Record of Discussion that specifies the benefits of proposed research to the NSTX program and the interface support required to carry it out. Applications to renew on-going NSTX collaborative research must include a list of project goals from the previous project period and a summary of the actual accomplishments.