FUSION HEATING IN A DEUTERIUM-TRITIUM TOKAMAK PLASMA

Evidence for fusion heating in the core of a deuterium-tritium (D-T) t okamak plasma is reported for the first time. Electron temperature pro file data were analyzed for differences between D-T, D, and T plasmas in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. Data from D and D-T plasmas with s imilar plasma parameters were averaged to minimize isotopic effects. T he electron temperature in D-T plasmas was systematically higher than in D or T plasmas. The temperature difference between D-T and D plasma s with similar confinement times is consistent with alpha-particle hea ting of electrons.