Just before the MAST tokamak's shut down for an 18-month upgrade, these stunning photographs in MAST tokamak were taken during operation. In order to do this, scientists Scott Silburn (from Durham University), James Harrison (CCFE), assisted by Alex Meakins (CCFE) and the CCFE Neutral Beam Group worked together. Recording these high quality images was a challenge, since a pulse lasts only a second and the scientist did not have access to the camera while in operation.
How did they take the photos?
Using a highly advanced method - duct tape - they attached a GoPro camera to one of the view port of MAST and set the camera to record in timelapse mode, taking pictures continuously. Although they couldn't precisely control when pictures were taken, but with a lot of luck, they could catch the perfect shot.
What do the pictures show?
The first picture shows the 'cored apple' shape of the toroidal plasma, with the MAST tokamak's interior filled in the background. The picture is a composition of filtered and unfiltered image, to show both the details of the plasma and a little context (e.g. the magnetic coils at the edge).
In the second photograph, the MAST plasma is in 'full bloom' at 15 million degrees Celsius, around the same temperature as the core of the Sun.
By the last image, the artificial star is dying and the remaining plasma is seen illuminating the ‘divertor' exhaust system at the bottom of the machine.
Be ready for more photos when the upgraded MAST is operational in 2015!
Just before the MAST tokamak's shut down for an 18-month upgrade, these stunning photographs in MAST tokamak were taken during operation. In order to do this, scientists Scott Silburn (from Durham University), James Harrison (CCFE), assisted by Alex Meakins (CCFE) and the CCFE Neutral Beam Group worked together. Recording these high quality images was a challenge, since a pulse lasts only a second and the scientist did not have access to the camera while in operation.
How did they take the photos?
Using a highly advanced method - duct tape - they attached a GoPro camera to one of the view port of MAST and set the camera to record in timelapse mode, taking pictures continuously. Although they couldn't precisely control when pictures were taken, but with a lot of luck, they could catch the perfect shot.
What do the pictures show?
The first picture shows the 'cored apple' shape of the toroidal plasma, with the MAST tokamak's interior filled in the background. The picture is a composition of filtered and unfiltered image, to show both the details of the plasma and a little context (e.g. the magnetic coils at the edge).
In the second photograph, the MAST plasma is in 'full bloom' at 15 million degrees Celsius, around the same temperature as the core of the Sun.
By the last image, the artificial star is dying and the remaining plasma is seen illuminating the ‘divertor' exhaust system at the bottom of the machine.
Be ready for more photos when the upgraded MAST is operational in 2015!
Read more:
CCFE: Sun in a bottle