Recent Highlights in Plasma Physics on the Path to ITER

In areas of interest such as plasma equilibrium, macroscopic and microscopic stability, and suprathermal particle dynamics, the understanding of the fusion plasma state is evolving: from initial macroscopic observations of plasma behavior; to precision measurements of relevant plasma properties; to development of reasonably standard models of plasma behavior supported by theory-experiment validation; to, ultimately, use of such models and measurements to develop real- time control and stabilization techniques. As an example, sophisticated imaging techniques provide unprecedented details of small-scale plasma turbulence in the density and velocity flow fields in the core region of fusion-grade plasmas. Such measurements are starting to test theories of self-organization in the turbulent flow- fields that regulate the turbulence and thereby strongly influence the plasma losses. This in turn is supporting the experimental demonstration of control of plasma turbulence and a correlated improvement in plasma confinement properties. Such developments are guiding expectations for the ITER international fusion experiment, and support development of a predictive understanding of the burning plasma state.