ITER physics program and implications for plasma measurements

Key objectives of the first ten years of ITER operation are the investigation of the physics of burning plasmas and the demonstration of long-pulse ignited plasma technologies. These include studies of plasma confinement and stability, divertor operation, disruption mitigation and control, noninductive current drive, and steady state operation under conditions when the plasma is heated predominantly by alpha particles. The ITER operational plan envisages two and a half years for commissioning and initial operation with hydrogen plasmas at up to 100 MW of auxiliary heating power when initial tests of divertor operation and evaluation of disruption effects will be made. In order to meet the operational and programmatic goals, it will be necessary to make a wide range of plasma measurements. In this article the preliminary operational plan and physics program are presented and the implications for plasma measurements are outlined. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.