Tokamak question: What happens when you shine a laser on the plasma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of shining a laser on plasma within a tokamak fusion reactor. Participants explore the interaction of photons with plasma, considering visibility and the influence of magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the effects of directing a laser pointer into the plasma, questioning whether the photons would pass through, be destroyed, or interact with the magnetic field.
  • Another participant asserts that the magnetic field does not affect photons, suggesting that they would likely interact with plasma ions.
  • A follow-up question asks if the interaction with plasma ions would make the laser visible, drawing a comparison to a laser passing through cloud vapor.
  • A participant reiterates that photons would interact with plasma ions, electrons, atoms, or molecules depending on the plasma's temperature, providing references for further reading on laser interferometry and photon scattering in plasma diagnostics.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the information shared, noting that while some content was complex, it was interesting and helpful in answering their question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the visibility of the laser in the plasma or the specific interactions that would occur, indicating that multiple views remain regarding the effects of the laser on plasma.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of photons in plasma and the conditions under which interactions occur are not fully explored, leaving open questions about the specifics of visibility and interaction mechanisms.

Fishpig
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TL;DR
Pointing a laser into a tokamak whilst it's running
I really enjoy learning strange facts and while i would never assume to be a "Smart" person i do have the power to ask.

So with a plasma fusion reactor like the tokamak or any other they have a viewing window to see the plasma bound in the toroidal magnetic field so what would happen if you were to point a laser pointer through the window and fire excited photons into the plasma?
Would you see them passing through the plasma, would they just be destroyed, would they be instantly adhered or bounced back by the magnetic field?
Cheers guys and girls
 
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Magnetic field has no effect. Photons most likely would interact with plasma ions.
 
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so interacting with the plasma ions would it be visible like a laser through cloud vapor?
 
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Thank you Astronuc, As high as most of that information went above my head it was a very interesting read and answered my question.
Thank you
 
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