Key results from the first plasma operation phase and outlook for future performance in Wendelstein 7-X.

The first physics operation phase on the stellarator experiment Wendelstein 7-X was successfully completed in March 2016 after about 10 weeks of operation. Experiments in this phase were conducted with five graphite limiters as the primary plasma-facing components. Overall, the results were beyond the expectations published shortly before the start of operation [Sunn Pedersen , Nucl.

W7-X magnetic diagnostics: Rogowski coil performance for very long pulses.

Stellerators can be operated without the need of significant plasma current for generation of poloidal magnetic field components. Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is optimized for stiff magnetic configurations by minimizing pressure driven currents, such as bootstrap and Pfirsch-Schluter currents. In Addition to the largely reduced plasma currents, the HELIAS-type device is a low magnetic shear configuration required for magnetic boundary islands.