Significance of stellarator research
“Tokamaks have three large sets of magnetic field coils. One of them produces an electric current that runs through the center of the plasma. That electric current produces a magnetic field that boosts how well the plasma is confined,” explained the researchers in a press release.
“In contrast, stellarators have many magnet coils that loop around the outside of the plasma. They form twisting magnetic fields that wrap around the donut, without the need for a central current.”
This fundamental difference gives stellarators certain advantages, including inherent steady-state operation and reduced susceptibility to disruptions that can terminate the plasma confinement.