Optimization and visualization of low aspect ratio stellarators

Improved tools have recently been developed for numerically designing low a spect ratio stellarator plasma confinement devices. The increased flexibili ty offered by three-dimensional magnetic flux surface shaping has allowed a range of physics targets such as improved confinement and plasma stability to be achieved in relatively compact (low aspect ratio) devices. Three-dim ensional scientific visualization has been a useful tool for developing und erstanding and intuition in this effort.