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

AI Thread Summary
Pointing a laser pointer into a plasma fusion reactor's viewing window would result in the photons interacting with plasma ions, electrons, or other particles, rather than being affected by the magnetic field. The interaction may not be visible like a laser beam through cloud vapor, as the behavior of photons depends on the plasma's temperature and density. The discussion highlights the complexities of photon behavior in plasma environments and references relevant scientific literature for further reading. Overall, the inquiry into laser interactions with plasma provides insights into plasma diagnostics. The conversation concludes with appreciation for the informative responses received.
Fishpig
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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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