NIFS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

2023

2024

English version
英語版

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation National Institutes of Natural Sciences

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FUSION SCIENCENATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

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NIFS

NIFS 2 0 2 3

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Director Generalʼs Greetings
Goals of NIFS
What is FUSION?
Organization
Units and Platforms
Meta-hierarchy Dynamics Unit / Structure Formation and Sustainability Unit
Phase Space Turbulence Unit / Plasma Quantum Processes Unit
Transports in Plasma Multi-phase Matter System Unit /Sensing and Intellectualizing Technology (S&I) Unit

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Plasma Apparatus Unit / Complex Global Simulation Unit
Ultrahigh-ﬂux Concerting Materials Unit /Applied Superconductivity and Cryogenics Unit

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Platform Management Oﬃce
・LHD Section

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・Computer Section
・Engineering Facilities Section
Fusion Science Interdisciplinary Coordination Center
Safety and Health Promotion Center
Rokkasho Research Center
Research Enhancement Strategy Oﬃce
Outreach to Society
Public Relations Oﬃce

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Library
Education council for graduate students
Research and Education Innovation Oﬃce
Information Systems and Cyber Security Center
Fusion Science Archives Oﬃce

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Coordinated Research Activities
・Coordinated International Research
Domestic Collaboration Research Programs
・Coordinated Research with Domestic Research Institutions
Department of Engineering and Technical Services
Site Map
History of NIFS

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NIFS Location and Access
NINS Organization

Towards a new eraof fusion science

吉田 善章
Fusion science is a comprehensive area encompassing various disciplines
with extremely high potential. Not only the immense merit of fusion energy,
but also the possibilities of new discoveries give us the motivation to climb
a high mountain - the history of overcoming every challenge has brought
academic depth and breadth to fusion science. While the physics of fusion
reactions is already well known, we have yet to understand how a“system”, called high-temperature plasma, can maintain a stable condition.
It is a macroscopic system producing an internal energy by whichautonomous dynamics sustains. The aim of fusion science is to elucidate
the mechanism of such a spontaneous process; the fundamental principle
must be common to the dynamics of the universe, society, or life.
Recognizing the problem in a wide context, we pave the way in a zone offundamental studies. On the way to fusion, the ultimate energy source, wewill encounter many crossroads leading to future science and technology.
As we know, there are three diﬀerent states of matter, i.e., solid, liquid,and gas. Even if the same molecules constitute matter, its “state” varies as
the temperature is changed. At a high temperature, all matter becomesgas, in which molecules are disconnected and distribute sparsely, moving
freely. When the temperature is raised further, molecules are broken into
ions (positively charged heavy particles) and electrons (negatively
charged light particles) by disconnecting the electrical bonding of ions andelectrons; we call such a high temperature state “plasma”. While plasma is
not common on Earth, it is the most typical state of matter in the universe.
Our sun is a huge mass of plasma, consisting mainly of hydrogen. Inside it
fusion reactions produce enormous energy. A star is a naturally madesustainable system of high temperature plasma, energized by fusion
reactions.
Although the fusion energy is often likened to a “sun on Earth”, weneed to think of a system that is completely diﬀerent from stars. The
challenge of fusion science is, indeed, to build a sustainable fusion
system, based on a thoroughly new mechanism that we cannot ﬁnd an
example of in nature. A star conﬁnes plasma by gravity, but it is a very
weak force, only eﬀective against huge masses such as celestial bodies.
We have to invoke a much stronger force to create a compact
conﬁnement system; magnetic force is the recourse. However, magnetic
force acts like a “vortex” and its role in creating macroscopic structures is
an interesting subject of contemporary physics and mathematics. We alsoneed a much higher temperature than that at the center of the sun. In atypical star like our sun (the main sequence star), the reaction ofsynthesizing a helium atom from a hydrogen atom proceeds slowly. This
reaction (a so-called p-p chain reaction) is too slow for producing
suﬃcient fusion power in a compact system. We need to apply a faster
reaction than that of the sun; the easiest is the deuterium-tritium fusion
reaction, which produces helium and neutrons, but occurs at temperaturesof around 100 million degrees Celsius. On the other hand, several meters
away from the plasma, we have to place super-conducting magnets togenerate the magnetic ﬁeld, which are operated at ultra-low temperature.
Therefore, fusion on Earth requires an extreme technology, dealing withultra-high and ultra-low temperatures, separated only by several meters.
The road to fusion power is purgatorial and much harder than theprediction made at the beginning (the mid-20th century). However, it is
not necessarily unfortunate that we encounter unexpected challenges. As
many great researchers say that discovery is born from failure, unknown
truths exist outside the range that one can predict. Fusion energy is asteep peak for development researchers to climb, but it is also a treasure
trove for academic researchers. The task of the academic researcher is togenerate new knowledge from the input of diﬃcult problems.
All members of the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) areworking on the construction of a lighthouse that illuminates the directionof fusion science in choppy academic waters ahead. NIFS is a broad
avenue for many researchers, through which the scope of “fusion science”
will extend in the world of science. We hope that many people will pay
attention to our endeavor and participate in these activities.
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Goals of NIFS
Fusion is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the universe and is the energy source for all activities there. The sun's fusion energy alsosustains our earth's environment. The National Institute for Fusion Science addresses a wide range of research topics: plasma
physics, microscopic quantum processes and materials science, and engineering technology for the components of fusion
devices necessary to realize fusion energy in a form we can use.
Human beings have built the current advanced scientific, technological, and industrial society by using fossil fuels such ascoal, petroleum, and natural gas as energy sources. However, the consumption of fossil fuels produces large amounts of carbon
dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which seriously impact the global environment, and their reserves are limited. Fusion energy has
great potential to be a solution to this problem.
As an Inter-University Research Institute, the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) is committed to contributing to thedevelopment of fusion science and forming a broad science and technology base by making large research facilities and various
research equipment available, and promoting joint research with domestic and foreign universities and research institutes. In
addition, NIFS strongly promotes the education of students who will shape the future by establishing laboratories at the Graduate
University for Advanced Studies, Nagoya University, Kyushu University, and the University of Tokyo and by providing researchguidance to graduate students from universities throughout Japan. NIFS serves as a focal point where the knowledge of thenational and global research community is united.

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2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFSWhat is FUSION?
In nuclear fusion, two nuclei with small masses collide to form anotherheavier nucleus, generating enormous energy. Because the total mass
after the reaction is slightly lighter than before the fusion reaction, themass difference is converted into energy (E=mc 2 ). The fusion reaction is
the ubiquitous energy source in the universe. Inside stars like the sun, afusion reaction that produces helium from four hydrogen atoms has
generated energy for over 5 billion years. Fusion research is being
conducted to use the universe's energy as our power source. To realize afusion reaction on Earth, deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen, areused as fuels. Deuterium and lithium, necessary to produce tritium, arefound in seawater and can generate a large amount of energy with a tiny
amount of hydrogen isotope.
To initiate a nuclear fusion reaction, deuterium and tritium nuclei (ions)must be brought close together, but Coulomb's repulsive force prevents it.
To overcome this repulsive force and bring the nuclei closer together, theymust collide at a speed of 1,000 km/s or more. In addition, since the highvelocity of the nuclei causes them to escape and energy is lost, it isnecessary to confine the fast-moving nuclei within a certain space, and it is also required to increase the density of the nuclei toincrease the number of collisions and obtain more fusion energy. Confining many fast-moving nuclei in a certain space is thecondition for fusion reactions. Such a state is called a high-temperature plasma.

The sun confines plasma with its enormous gravity, but a magnetic field is used to confine the plasma on the Earth. The motionof charged particles, such as nuclei and electrons, which constitute the plasma, can be limited around the magnetic field lines,
confining the high-temperature plasma in a certain space. Plasma research, which aims to understand various complex
phenomena occurring in plasmas, is of central importance for the development of fusion reactors and provides many subjects foracademic research, and plays an essential role as a basis for understanding cosmic and astronomical phenomena.

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April 2023

Staff
Director General
1
Researchers
105
Engineers
45
Administrative Staff
41
Employees on Annual Salary System
114Research Administrator Staff

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2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFSUnits and Platforms■ UnitFusion energy, the most critical outcome of fusion science, is expected to be the next generation power source that can beconsidered to solve energy and global environmental problems because it is characterized by 1) carbon neutrality, 2) abundant fuel,3) inherent safety, and 4) environmental conservation. On the other hand, fusion science is a vast research field that encompasses
many complex problems, and many research issues remain to be solved. Therefore, in addition to development research that unites
various sciences and technologies, academic research to create innovations that open up new possibilities is essential.
The National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), an academic research institute, intends to promote interdisciplinary research infusion science by dividing the challenges of fusion energy into several themes and universalizing each of them. By sharing
cutting-edge issues and awareness of the problems of various academic fields through interdisciplinary development, we aim topromote the sharing of brain power, involving an unprecedentedly wide range of areas and to enable the sustainable promotion offusion development research over the long term.
To promote interdisciplinary research, NIFS has re-defined its identity as an ensemble of research themes as Units, after two
years of community-wide discussions. NIFS re-started with ten Units from FY2023.
A Unit is the main body for conducting collaborative research for ten years. It promotes collaborative research that will leadfusion science for the next decade under the banner of a research theme that represents fusion science defined by itself. The Unit
will continue to examine its own theme through open discussions and revise it as necessary. The Unit organization will create
possibilities for joint usage and collaborative research involving a more comprehensive range of fields than ever.
Below are the names of the ten Units. The research themes of each Unit are listed on page 8-12.

Meta-hierarchy Dynamics Unit

Structure Formation and Sustainability Unit

Phase Space Turbulence Unit

Plasma Quantum Processes Unit

Transports in Plasma Multi-phase Matter System Unit

Sensing and Intellectualizing Technology (S&I) Unit

Plasma Apparatus Unit
Ultrahigh-ﬂux Concerting Materials Unit

Complex Global Simulation Unit
Applied Superconductivity and Cryogenics Unit

■ Platform
The platform is various research equipment that serves as the basis for joint research conducted by a Unit. As an Inter-University
Research Institute, the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) provides large research facilities and various researchequipment to promote joint research with universities and research institutes in Japan and abroad. The following three sections of
the Platform management office operate in NIFS.

LHD Section

To utilize the legacy of the LHD project, such as high-precision diagnostics and various
heating devices, the LHD will be supported as an academic research platform for three
years, starting in F Y2023. The LHD academic research platform is operated on an
open-data basis to promote interdisciplinary studies of the Unit.

Computer Section

The section consists of numerical experiments, a numerical database of atoms andmolecules, and a data analysis system. As for numerical experiments, the Plasma Simulator"Raijin," a supercomputer dedicated to the plasma fusion field, has been operating since
FY2020 to promote world-class joint research on plasma fusion simulations.

Engineering Facilities Section

The section manages engineering research facilities installed in the experimental buildings(Superconducting Magnet System Laboratory, Fusion Engineering Research Laboratory,
Radiation Controlled Area in LHD building, Development Laboratory, and Diagnostics
Laboratory) in NIFS.

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Meta-hierarchy Dynamics Unit
Fusion science covers a very wide range of spatio-temporal scales and physical parameter regions, from the microscopic scalesof atoms or electrons to large scales that can be manipulated by human hands, such as fluids, solids, plasma, and actual
devices. Furthermore, the collective behavior of charged particles causes a wide variety of phenomena not only in the plasma
itself but also in the materials in contact with it. Understanding of these complex phenomena has been pursued by elemental
separation into various hierarchical processes and physical models, or by combining the various hierarchical levels with eachother. The separation of electrons and ions into their kinetic scales and the coupling of particle and fluid models are good
examples. However, with recent remarkable progress toward higher precision and larger scales in experimental and numericalresearch, phenomena that cannot be well captured by the separation and coupling of hierarchies have become apparent. In suchphenomena, what w a s once a clearly
separable hierarchy becomesc o nt i n u o u s l y o b s c u re d a cc o r d i n g tophysical par ameters, or the scales ofhierarchical separation overlap andappear to be a new hierarchy. In this Unit,
we will reconsider the static and dynamic
characteristics of such hierarchies from abird's-eye view (meta-perspective). We
focus on the hierarchical nature ofcomplex phenomena such as multiscale
turbulences, resonance between wave
and particle motion, global propagation offluctuations, plasma-solid inter facephenomena, velocity-space structure,anisotropy of distribution functions, andso on, in fusion pla sm a s, and we are
Figure. Meta-hierarchy Dynamics Unit addresses various issues in fusion science.
exploring the universality in the
Hierarchical dynamics with clarity and ambiguity will be explored from a meta
hierarchical dynamics.
perspective.

Structure Formation and Sustainability Unit
Many systems in the real world, such as the Earth, where matter circulates under sunlight, and the organisms that live on it, areplaced in a flow of energy. Energy tends to eventually turn into uniform thermal energy. On the other hand, when energy flows
through the system, there is room for a non-uniform structure to form and persist. In a magnetic confinement fusion reactor, there
is an energy flow starting from the nuclear fusion reaction that occurs in the core plasma. This energy flow creates the confinedstate of the plasma in magnetic field. Various structures have been observed in experiments to be formed in the plasma, such asorganized flows, boundaries where the properties of the plasma change over time and space, exhaust of specific kinds ofparticles, etc. Some of these structure formations have been found to contribute to the efficiency of fusion reactors. The"Structure Formation and Sustainability Unit" explores the universal principle behind structure formations common to various
systems, and develops efficient and sustainable plasma confinement methods. An important question is how the flow anddistribution of energy is determined ina system composed of multiple
elements, and what role magnetic
fields play in the case of plasmas.
T h r o u g h a d v a n c e d m e a s u re m e nt
systems that quantif y high- energy
p a r t i c l e s d r i v i n g e n e rg y f l o w,
experiments using new confinement
magnetic fields, and micro-to-macro
theor y and simulations, we clarif ythese from both ex periment al andtheoretical perspectives. The findings
are fed back to the design andoptimization of the confinement
magnetic field and theelectromagnetic coil that creates it.
Examples of the coil and plasma configurations derived by the optimization system being
developed in the Structure Formation and Sustainability Unit.

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Phase Space Turbulence Unit
Magnetically confined fusion plasmas are generally not at all dense so that particle collision rarely occurs. Particles have theirelectric charges therefore can be trapped or expelled in a phase of electrostatic waves. Those trapped particles travel with thewaves while being bounced by the wave potential, like surfing (Fig.1). During this motion, the waves and particles can exchange
their energy and momentum, leading to more complicated behaviors. As a result, enhanced plasma transport that makes plasma
confinement worse and/or collisionless plasma heating are theoretically predicted to occur. So far, direct observation of thosewave-particle interactions has been extremely challenging and therefore experimental knowledge derived from it has been limited.
The key quantity is the velocity distribution function, which describes statistical properties of the particle dynamics. In afluctuation-less situation the velocity distribution function follows Gaussian (normal) distribution.
The Phase-Space Turbulence Unit tries to directly measure the velocity
distribution function by cutting-edge diagnostic systems, with unprecedented
resolutions in time, real-space, and velocity-space (Fig.2), by which theabove-mentioned physics are discussed. This activity contributes not only tonuclear fusion development but also to uncovering far-nonequilibrium plasma
dynamics in the universe.

Fig.1. Bounce motion of particles trapped by a potential wave.

Fig.2. Cutting-edge spectrometer system equippedwith grating-prism, CMOS fast-camera, andimage-intensifier.

Plasma Quantum Processes Unit
This Unit addresses the question of how collective properties and dynamics are defined and observed as collective phenomena
from quantum processes of atoms, molecules, and light in plasmas and materials. Specifically, we measure exotic quantum
processes created in the laboratory by highly charged ion sources and intense laser fields, and develop quantitative physicalmodels of non-equilibrium plasmas in fusion reactors, astronomical objects, and the universe, as well as high-density plasmas.
From these studies, we aim to elucidate the physics that is universal to collective phenomena on diverse and broad scales.
We are also conducting highly interdisciplinary collaborative research on development of atomic data and spectroscopic
models for various astronomical observations (solar corona, solar wind, supernova explosions, kilonovae, etc.), development ofshort wavelength light sources using laser pumped plasmas, and the dynamics of muon quantum few-body systems. In addition,
we are also developing a numerical database of atoms and molecules and making it open (http://dbshino.nifs.ac.jp/) for various
plasma research and applications.

Fig.1 Schematic of a compact electron beam ion trap (CoBIT ) developed incollaboration with the University of Electro-Communications to generate,trap, and perform precision spectroscopy of highly charged ions of elements
observed in fusion reactors and astronomical plasmas.

F i g.2 E x a m p l e o f a f u l l y k i n e t i c s i m u l at i o n o nlaser-plasma interaction. The laser-plasmainter ac tion g e ner ate s a loc alize d st rongelectric field through large-amplitude plasma
f l u c tu at i o n s a n d at t r a c t s at te nt i o n a s anext-generation compact particle accelerator.

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The term "multi-phase" refers to the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. At the point where the fourth state of matter,plasma, meets the other three, many interesting phenomena occur. In a fusion reactor, relatively cold plasma around the coreplasma, where the fusion reaction is taking place, is connected to the solid or liquid reactor wall. In front of the wall, gas is added
to lower the plasma temperature to reduce the heat load on the wall. In the “Transports in Plasma Multi-phase Matter System”
Unit, the objective of the research is to investigate how heat and particles are transported in the system where the plasma
contacts solids, liquids, and gases in a fusion reactor, to predict what a future fusion reactor will look like, and to control thetransport of heat and particles. The Unit also aims to apply the knowledge and techniques gained from fusion research to study
various plasma and multi-phase fields other than fusion, such as plasma biotechnology, SDGs, and the formation mechanisms ofliving materials in space, and to contribute to the advancement of these fields. Our research is conducted through experiments
using plasma devices, various material analyses using electron microscopes, etc., and computer simulations.

Figure. From left to right: a visible light image of LHD divertor plasma, beryllium distribution on the plasma-facing surface of the tungsten
divertor plate in the JET tokamak device, an example of molecular dynamics simulation of hydrogen recycling in an amorphous carbon
wall, an example of dissipative particle dynamics simulation of the formation of self-assembled structures in amphiphilic molecularsystems.

Sensing and Intellectualizing Technology (S&I) Unit
In this Unit, we aim to conduct “Sensing and Intellectualization (S&I)” of various types of plasma physics. In our definition, S&I is toelucidate the complex structures and relations inside nature and to convert the information into knowledge.
We develop new plasma diagnostics and expand their measurable range. In addition, we maximize the amount of information to
extract from the experimental results by utilizing statistical mathematics and data science. Moreover, we reveal hidden correlations
inside the obtained data by an interactive method, i.e., converting the data into visual, auditory, and textural information. We
collaborate on these research topics with scientists around the world to tackle open issues in fusion science.
The S&I Unit consists of the following three research pillars:
1. Research of plasma dynamics with advanced measurement and analysis
We develop plasma diagnostics such as phase- contrast
imaging and laser Thomson scattering measurement, which canpave the way for a deeper understanding of plasma physics.
We also wor k on the develop m e nt of light source s anddetectors that enable new measurements, which can be applied
in industry.
2. Sustainable plasma control via predictive/judgment-oriented
research using data science
We establish a real-time prediction and judgment method forfusion plasma. In addition, we will investigate the circulation
process of stable and radioactive isotopes for the social
implementation of fusion reactors.
3. Challenge of understanding data and development of public
communication
We study expression methods such as VR display that enables
3D + α analysis, and construction of numerical models for
obtaining scientific knowledge. We aim to systematize theintellectual search process that has been conducted empiricallyso far. In addition, we promote open science and outreachactivities for the contribution of our studies to society and therealization of fusion power generation.
Figure. 360-degree VR display of fusion plasma

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Plasma Apparatus Unit
The concept of the Plasma Apparatus Unit is to elucidate the nature of collective phenomena in charged particles with various
energy levels and to control and apply the charged particles by utilizing the elucidation. Based on the concept and technologies
developed in fusion science, the Plasma Apparatus Unit will find new approaches to elucidating natural phenomena and deepen
the elucidation by further sophisticated technologies of plasma apparatus, which involves a charged-particle control apparatus,and by creating new apparatus technologies. Introducing knowledge and technologies in different fields will be done bycollaboration and union with them. The Plasma Apparatus Unit will pursue new developments as technology drivers in natural andapplied sciences through academic knowledge and extreme apparatus technologies of collective phenomena in charged particles
at the leading edge of fusion science.
Interdisciplinary investigations beyond the boundaries offusion science require diversity. Investigations in The Plasma
Apparatus Unit with various plasma apparatus are conducted bya wide range of people, not only inside but also outside NIFS.
T h e m a i n i n d i v i d u a l inve s t ig at io ns at t h e t im e of t h e u n it
establishment are neutral beam injector (NBI), anti-material
plasma, muon and fusion collaboration, and spacecraft electric
propulsion. Bases of the four investigations, except NBI, areoutside NIFS. Sharing information closely in the Unit, startingfrom common knowledge and technologies among individual
investigations, and addressing issues from multiple perspectives,synergistic effects such as leading to completely new ideas canb e ex p e c te d. T h i s w i l l b r i n g d e e p e r e l u ci d at i o n a n d n e w
developments in science. In order to maximize the effects, thePlasma Apparatus Unit will make NIFS function as one of thehubs of an academic network that promotes the knowledge andFig. Academic Network of Plasma Apparatus Unit
technology of various plasma devices.

Complex Global Simulation Unit
In order to understand the behavior of an entire system composed of multiple hierarchies, individual simulations of each hierarchy are
not sufficient. Global simulations that consider the interactions between hierarchies are required. Simulations of magnetic confinement
fusion plasma require consideration of the interaction between the microscopic hierarchy of particles in the plasma and the macroscopic
hierarchy of magnetohydrodynamic behavior of the entire plasma. Although their realization is not easy, such complex global simulations
are important issues that are expected to be actualized not only in the field of nuclear fusion research but also in many other academic
fields. The reason for this is that the temporal and spatial scales of the microscopic hierarchy and the entire system are often extremely
different, and the capacity and capability of a computer is not sufficient to simulate the entire range of scales based on a single systemof fundamental physical equations. The purpose of the Complex Global Simulation Unit is to develop simulation methods to solve thisproblem and to promote simulation research.
This Unit aims to develop simulation methods that couple different hierarchies and physical models to realize global simulations thatpredict and elucidate the behavior of entire physical systems that cannot be handled by simulations based on a single system offundamental physical equations. This Unit will realize global simulations of the whole magnetic confinement fusion plasma including its
core and edge, based on kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic hybrid
simulation and will elucidate the complex behavior of plasmas. It will
also develop a methodology with broad applicability to achieve
simulations that more closely reproduce real-world phenomena,beyond the strong limitations imposed by the capacity and capabilityof the supercomputer. Interdisciplinary research by applying thedeveloped methods to related fields will be promoted.

Pressure perturbation of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability andorbits of thermal ions in a Large Helical Device plasma simulated with akinetic-MHD hybrid code. It has been found that trapped ions (shown by
the yellow line) suppress the instability and play an important role inmaintaining a high pressure plasma. This Unit will extend this simulation
model to develop a new method to study interaction between such an MHD
instability and micro-instabilities.

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Ultrahigh-ﬂux Concerting Materials Unit
Materials for fusion and fission reactors, aerospace cr af t,
chemical plants etc. are used under extreme conditions, whichgive rise to non- equilibrium states in materials induced byultrahigh-flux energy and various particles. The non-equilibrium
states are expected to bring about the formation of unknown
compounds and structural changes in materials such as aself-organization of constituent atoms, including crystal latticedefects. By making good use of these new compounds andstructures, The Ultrahigh-flux Concerting Materials (UlCoMat)
Unit is to create novel materials that adapt themselves to theextreme conditions and engage with the ultrahigh-flux of energy
and various particles.
R e f r a c to r y m e t a l s , c e r a m i c n a n o p a r t i c l e s d i s p e r s i o nstrengthened alloys (shown in the figure), ceramics for electricalinsulation, hydrogen control, and various sensors, etc. will be
investigated.
F i g. S c h e m at i c i l l u s t r at i o n o f m ate r i a l s c o n c e r t i n g w i t hultrahigh-flux energy and particles environments, and electron
micrographs of the oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel
developed for fusion reactors. During the fabrication process,various oxide nanoparticles containing yttrium and titanium
can be formed under non-equilibrium states.

Applied Superconductivity and Cryogenics Unit
The Applied Superconductivity and Cryogenics (ASC) Unit is a restructured body that consolidates the superconducting andcryogenic engineering research conducted by NIFS, aimed at promoting sustainable societal change through new study in thesefields. Our Unit aims to clarify an exit strategy for superconducting systems in sustainable society, conduct research anddevelopment towards the societal implementation of superconducting technology, and serve as an academic research hub byoffering various low-temperature experimental environments using temperature-variable cryogenic systems available in the
Superconducting Magnet Research Building to various users through academia-industry collaborations. Furthermore, we willcontribute to the realization of a hydrogen society by accumulating experience in the operation of liquid hydrogen as "clean
energy," positioned as an achievable aim of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhancing the social acceptability ofhydrogen, including its safety. Finally, we will serve as a gateway for attempts ranging from basic research to societal
implementation, as well as a hub for a network of liquid hydrogen research and development. Our research topics will be divided
into three categories: "Research on Superconductors and Coils," "Research on Cryogenic Engineering," and "Research on
Advanced Superconducting Wire," and we will group researchers into these three categories and clearly define milestones foreach research topic to promote research activities.

Social implementation of
nuclear fusion power generation

Realization of a sustainable society
Contribution to SDGs

Research on
cryogenic engineering

Research on advanced
superconducting wires

Research onsuperconducting
conductors and coils

National projectbudgetGrants-in-Aid for
Scientiﬁc Research

Joint research budget
Activities atacademic societies

Industry-government-academia collaboration
Joint research by NIFS

Image of Applied Superconductivity and Cryogenics Unit activities

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Platform Management Office
Platforms are a group of various research equipment that serve as the basis for cooperative research conducted by the Units. As
an Inter-University Research Institute, the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) provides extensive research facilities and avariety of equipment for joint usage to promote collaborative study with domestic and foreign universities and research institutes.
The following three divisions operate the Platforms the National Institute for Fusion Science owns.

LHD Section
The LHD is the world's largest superconducting plasma confinement device. It has achieved many results over the quarter of acentury since the first plasma was produced in March 1998, with a mission of creating a comprehensive understanding of thetorus plasma. The LHD project was completed in F Y2022, but the resources of the LHD project, such as precise andhigh-resolution diagnostics and various high-power heating devices, will be utilized as academic research infrastructure for three
years from FY2023, with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
The LHD aims to elucidate the principles of various complex phenomena common to space and astronomical plasmas as well
as fusion plasmas, by measuring the internal structure of plasmas with various precise and high-resolution diagnostics. The
Academic Research Platform LHD is based on the principle of open data ※1 and will also provide research infrastructure topromote interdisciplinary collaboration among different research fields.

※1：LHD data repository: https://doi.org/10.57451/lhd.analyzed-data

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Computer Section
Plasma Simulator Task Group
The Plasma Simulator “Raijin” is a massive parallel supercomputer systemutilized to promote academic simulation research on nuclear fusion scienceand to support research and development that can contribute to progress insimulation science. The Plasma Simulator “Raijin” consists of 540 computers,
each of which is equipped with one scalar processor for controlling the systemand eight “Vector Engine” accelerators for high-speed computing. The 540
computers are connected with each other by a high-speed interconnect
network. The computational performance of the system with Vector Engines is10.5 petaflops. The capacities of the main memory and the external storages y s t e m a r e 2 0 2 t e r a b y t e s a n d 32.1 p e t a b y t e s , r e s p e c t i v e l y. T h esupercomputer system is capable of large-scale simulation of fusion and othercomplex plasma phenomena. In addition, advanced (heterogeneous)computation combining operations by scalar processors and vector engines isalso possible.

Plasma Simulator “Raijin”

Database Task GroupWe provide the NIFS Atomic and Molecular Numerical Database at <https://dbshino.nifs.ac.jp/> for researchers worldwide, whichcontains numerical data, such as cross-sections, for collision processes between electrons, atoms, and molecules in plasmas.
The amount of stored data is the largest in the world, among databases of collision cross-sections and many researchers accessour database. We are also making databases, e.g. the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS), available for domestic
collaborators, which are provided under international collaborations.

Data Analysis Equipment Task Group
Data analysis equipment includes the experimental data acquisition and analysis system, the SNET research collaboration
network, and the CompleXcope immersive virtual reality system. The experimental data system has accumulated over 3 petabytes
of diagnostic and analyzed data from the NIFS LHD and other universitiesʼ devices via SNET, and makes the entire researchresources, including hundreds of analysis programs, available to the public at the same level as local and remote collaborative
researchers. This is a research project to develop and build the “Plasma and Fusion Cloud.” The worldʼs largest nuclear fusion
database is expected to be used for fusion energy developments and for “data science” and other fields, to promote “openscience” in nuclear fusion research. CompleXcope enables observers to enter 3-D data space and observe plasma from various
directions, thereby facilitating the study of plasmas with complex structures.

Data analysis equipment

142023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFSEngineering Facilities Section
The Engineering Facilities section manages and operates experimental facilities in the Superconducting Magnet System
Laboratory, the Fusion Engineering Research Laboratory, the Radiation Controlled Area in the LHD building, the Development
Laboratory, and the Diagnostics Laboratory. A task group is assigned to each experimental building to coordinate the dates andsystems of experiments. The main experimental facilities are listed in the table below.

Category

Experimental facilities forcryogenic engineering

Platform

Building
Superconducting Magnet
System Laboratory

Superconducting magnet system test facility
Heat and material flow loop system (Oroshhi-2)
Hot isostatic pressing system (HIP)
Creep testing machine

Experimental facilities forin-vessel components

Planetary ball mill machine

Fusion Engineering
Research Laboratory

Ultra-thin film nano-scratch tester
High purity arc melting device
Large planetary ball mill under inert atmosphereHigh-speed impact test machine
Surface modification test device (SUT)R&D Laboratories

Ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron
microscope (FE-SEM)
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS(ESCA))

Materials analysis
equipment

Fusion Engineering
Research Laboratory

X-ray diffractometer (XRD)
Tandem accelerator
Ultra high heat load test equipment (ACT2)
Transmission electron microscope (TEM/STEM)・Gentle mill
Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM)
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Radiation Controlled Area
in the LHD building

Glow discharge emission spectrometer (GE-ODS)

Experimental facilities forion source and beam

Neutral beam injection heating test stand (NBI test stand)High intensity ion source

Fusion Engineering
Research Laboratory
R&D Laboratories

Multiply charged ion source (CoBIT)
Large bore and high density plasma device (HYPER-I)

Experimental facilities forbasic plasma physics andmaterial irradiation researchLinear plasma device (TPD-II)
Pen type atmospheric pressure plasma jet device

R&D Laboratories

Wide stripe type, high density, room temperature, andatmospheric pressure plasma device

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

15

Fusion Science Interdisciplinary Coordination Center
The Fusion Science Interdisciplinary Coordination Center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in fusion science anddevelopment research, and social implementation of fusion technology through industry-academia-government cooperation.
As a comprehensive center that leads and supports collaborative research with universities, development research institutes,
a n d in d u s t r y, t h e ce nte r lin ks t h re e n ew inte rdis ci p l i n a r y f i e l d s a n d a g ro u p of Unit s to d eve l o p ch a ll e ng i ng a n dinterdisciplinar y joint research that tr anscends the boundaries of existing fields. In par ticular, in order to build aninterdisciplinar y research net work with advanced academic research fields, promote open science, collaborate withinternational research projects, and implement the technologies cultivated through nuclear fusion in society, the (1)A d v a n ce d A c ad e m i c Re s e a rc h C o o rd i n at i o n S e c t i o n, (2) D eve l o p m e nt Re s e a rc h C o o rd i n at i o n S e c t i o n, a n d (3)Industry-Academia-Government Coordination Section support various joint research in collaboration with the Units.
As one of the interdisciplinar y collaborative projects, researchers from the Phase Space Turbulence Unit and the
Met a- hier archy D ynamics Unit of the National Institute for Fusion Science, the Research Institute for Sust ainable
Humanosphere of Kyoto University, and Tohoku University have cooperated to launch the Aurora Observation Project. In thisproject, a two-dimensional spectrometer that can acquire data in two spatial dimensions plus wavelength and a liquid crystal
filter camera that can observe images of any emission line were installed in Kiruna, Sweden (67°51' north latitude) for
constant observation. The time-space evolution of the observed spectra will reveal the behavior of down-propagating
particles, and phase-space fluctuations (fluctuations in velocity and space) occurring in the magnetosphere will be studied.
By measuring physical quantities that have not been measured before, such as images of wavelength spectr a andpolarization, it will be possible to infer the energy and direction of the downed particles, which is expected to lead to thedevelopment of new research methods.

Fig.1 Fusion Science Interdisciplinary Coordination Center

Fig.2 Aurora image spectrometer and aurora from aircraft

16

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFS
Safety and Health Promotion Center
The Safety and Health Promotion Center is devoted to preventing work-related accidents, to ensuring safe and soundoperation of machinery and equipment, and to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all staffs, collaborators, andstudents. The center is composed of ten offices, as shown in the figure.

safety training

Training lecture held by safetyc o nt ro l o f f i ce l e a d e r s a n dsafety management staff.
In 2022, it was held online.

Patrol by members health and safety staff

Environmental
Conservation
OfficeSafetyHandbook
Preparation
OfficeNew
Experiment
Safety Review
OfficeDisaster prevention
training

HealthManagement
OfficeHazardous
Materials
Management
OfficeSafety and
HealthPromotion
CenterFire/Disaster
Prevention and
Security
Management
OfficeAll workers attend disaster prevention training held every year.
They practice evacuation and extinguishing fires.

High Pressure
GasManagement
OfficeSafet y and health manager s
regularly patrol the work areas.

Radiation
Management
OfficeElectrical
Equipment
and Operation
Management
OfficeCrane
Management
OfficeRaditation monitoring
post

Nine radiation monitoring posts are placed at the site boundary
and five near the laboratory buildings.

Through these ac tivities, the Safet y and Health Promotion Center conduc t s environment al safet y, which
includes radiation safety, safety education, and radiation training. Fur thermore, industrial physicians also
patrol the work areas. The Committee of Health and Safety discusses and recommends any safety, health,and environmental issues to improve appropriate safety management. For detailed information, please visit
our web-site. https://w w w.nifs.ac.jp/en/

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

17

Rokkasho Research Center (RRC)
General Information on RRC
The Rokkasho Research Center (RRC, established in May 2007) promotes cooperation and joint research with Broader
Approach (BA) activities that are being undertaken in parallel with the ITER project and builds the technical foundation for thedevelopment of a prototype fusion reactor by supporting the participation of collaborators of NIFS and universities, based onacademic standpoints. Furthermore, in order to promote the interdisciplinary expansion of problems being tackled in fusion
research, we are focusing on disseminating research issues to a range of academic fields, inviting interdisciplinary meetings, andpromoting interdisciplinary joint efforts. As an example, the Fourth Mid-Term Strategic Project of the Research Organization ofInformation and Systems (ROIS), "Statistical-Mathematical Modeling for Plasma Data, Complementary to Plasma Physics," hasbeen established and we are deepening/widening collaborations with communities such as those doing statistical-mathematics
and data science. In addition, we are actively working to contribute to human resource development based on the Graduate
University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, through establishing and deepening cooperation with neighboring educational
institutions.
RRCʼs Homepage: https://www.nifs.ac.jp/en/about/rrc.html

Recent Activities of RRC
A number of individual research collaborations had been launched in the fields of nuclear fusion and statistical-mathematics, inorder to ex tract useful information that would contribute to the promotion of fusion research by making the most oflarge-scale/diverse data produced in nuclear fusion research. By aggregating them, the project; the Research Organization ofInformation and Systems (ROIS), the Fourth Mid-Term Strategic Project, “Statistical-Mathematical Modelling on Plasma Data:
Complementary to Plasma Physics” was approved in FY2022, and NIFS RRC has been a research hub for promoting the project.
The meeting for sharing research topics among those undertaking fusion and statistical-mathematical research was held in Dec.
2022 at NIFS RRC/QST Rokkasho Institute and Hachinohe City Public Hall. This project has pursued synergetic development ofboth research communities by applying/improving a statistical-mathematical approach to fusion and plasma data. A report on themeeting was published in ISM (Institute of Statistical Mathematics) News (No. 159, Feb. 2023) (in Japanese). The activities in
FY2022 were highly evaluated by the ROIS Review Board, and a developmental extension was approved.
We are also promoting activities based on SOKENDAI through promoting ties/collaborations with nearby educational
institutions. In February 2023, the SOKENDAI Outreach Activities "Training program for next-generation young researchers
based in the community at Aomori, the Rokkasho area" was carried out in cooperation with the QST Rokkasho Institute. About
40 students of the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Hachinohe College visited the Rokkasho site, and were conducted
on a tour of cutting-edge facilities and had stimulating live discussions with researchers/engineers there.

Group photo of the ROIS project meeting in Aomori (at Hachinohe
City Public Hall)Group photo of the SOKENDAI Social Linkage Project (at QST
Rokkasho Institute)

182023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

NIFS
Research Enhancement Strategy Office
The Research Enhancement Strategy Office was established in NIFS in 2013, as a result of a selection by the National
Institutes of Natural Sciences（NINS）for a “Research University Enhancement Promotion Project” by the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This project selects domestic universities and inter-university research institutes that
conduct superlative research, and supports their research enhancement policies. Special features of this program are thehiring and placement of Research Administrators（ UR A: University Research Administration staf f）and their resulting
performance of related activities. Although the project ended in March 2023, the activities of the office continue to develop.
The Of fice has three UR A s, and promotes activities in five task groups: IR（Institutional Research）/ evaluation,enhancement of public relations programs, strengthening of the financial base, enhancement of collaboration activities, andstrengthening of human resource development programs. Each task group, headed by the group leader, promotes activities incoordination with other groups and committees in NIFS. These activities are coordinated with the Headquarters for Co-Creation
Strategy, established in NINS.
Research Enhancement Strategy Office web page : https://reso.nifs.ac.jp/eng/

Academic Management Meeting

Research Enhancement Strategy Oﬃce
Director (1)Task Group Leader (5)University Research Administrator (3)Director

Specially Appointed Research Specialist (1)Research Administration Staff (2)Research Enhancement Strategy Office Meeting
Research planning and strategy formulation

IR/Evaluation
Task Group−Analysis ofresearch activities
and results−Research on thefield trends−Examination ofevaluation index

link

Public Relations
Enhancement
Task Group−Analysis of public
relations status,
effect, and impact

link−Domestic andinternational
media coverage−Research on
public relations
activities inrelated fields

Self‐Inspection Committee

Financial BaseStrengthening
Task Group−Examination offinancial status−Analysis of status
for competitive
research funding
acquisition andapplication−Trend survey ofcompetitive
research funds

Collaboration
Human Resource
Research
Development
Enhancement
Strengthening
link Task Group link
Task Group−Analysis of joint
research satatus
and results, andfuture planning−Investigation of
incentives forinternational joint
research−Survey on joint
research in otherinstitutes−Analysis of thestatus and resultsof the young, female,and foreigners,
development andsupport−Analysis of thestatus and resultsof education for
graduate students−Investigation ofyouth career paths−Performance evaluation relating to mid‐term plans−Preparation for external evaluation

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

19

⬅

①
⬅

②

2022
590

Public Relations Office
The Public Relations Office, as the core organization responsible for public relations and outreach activities, promotes the disclosureand sharing of research achievements with society, including the local community, through a variety of activities. Since therestructuring of this organization in FY2023, there now are four committees: the Scientific and Public Relations Committee, theSocial Engagement Committee, the Archives Committee, and the Educational Collaboration Committee. A summary of thecommittees is depicted in the following illustration.
Many NIFS research staff are active as members of the office. Principal activities include holding press releases (image ③),
publishing public relations magazines (image ④), holding scientific events (image ⑤), providing tours of NIFS facilities (image ⑥),
scientific classroom activities (image ⑦), organizing and storing historical materials related to fusion science research in Japan, andeducational collaboration activities with high schools.

2022
Q&A for Community Meetings postedon the NIFS web page

⬅

③

⬅④

Social Engagement Committee

Disseminating R&D
achievements widely
through press
releases, websites,and publications

Enhancing social
engagement throughfacility tours,
scientiﬁc classroom,and scientiﬁc events

Archives
Committee

Educational
Collaboration
Committee⑥⬅

Investigation,collection, organization, storage, andpublication ofhistorical documents
related to fusion
science research in
Japan

⑤

⬅

Scientiﬁc andPublic Relations
Committee

Educational collaboration activities withhigh schools

⬅

⑦

20

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFS
Library
A library aiming to enrich materials and information provided to fusion researchers around the world
The NIFS Library has 71,000 books and 1,100 titles of journals, mainly on physics, natural sciences and engineering,that aim to enrich materials and information to be provided to fusion and plasma researchers around the world. In addition,as an Inter-University Research Institute, we are also responsible for providing information to inter-university researchers
nationwide and training students and young researchers.
The library maintains an online library catalog (OPAC), e-journals, e-books, and other online services in an effort toexpand its functions as an e-library. We are also member of Interlibrary Services（ILL）to obtain materials not stocked in NIFS
from other libraries.
In January 2021, we jointly procured a new library system with Okazaki Library and Information Center within the sameorganization. We have started a collection search service on the new OPAC system. With this system, you may research thecollections of other institutions such as the National Diet Library and CiNii Research, without having to re-enter keywords.
(image①)
In recent years, we have set up an exhibition corner near the library entrance for introducing the collection materials.
Exhibitions cover a wide range of themes, not limited to specialized materials. (image②)

②

⬅

⬅

①

Accumulation and Utilization of Research Activities
The Institute has formulated the "National Institute for Fusion Science Open Access Basic Policy", which is based on the principleof disclosing research results such as academic papers of its staff to the public, and is accumulating and disclosing research
results. The library also edits and publishes the NIFS series and English annual reports.
■NIFS Repository
NIFS Repository releases academic results and intellectual products generated by research or educational activities at NIFS.
Anyone can access these files free of charge on the Web. (image③) NIFS fulfills social responsibility and makes social
contributions by releasing research and educational activities through the NIFS Repository.
■NIFS SeriesThis preprint publication rapidly disseminates research achievements at NIFS within Japan and abroad. This series consists of five
types: NIFS-REPORT, PROC, TECH, DATA, and MEMO. (image ④)■Annual Report
The Annual Report summarizes all research achievements and activities at NIFS in each fiscal year. The reports are written in
English.

④

⬅

⬅

③

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

21

NIFS has an important role, as the central institute of the field in Japan in developing human resources who will lead fusion
science in future. As a part of the human resource development, the Education Council has been promoting education for
graduate students comprehensively since AY2023. The education in NIFS is performed in various frameworks, such as the
Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, joint programs of graduate courses and special research collaboration
programs for education with Japanese universities, internships, and so on. The achievement has been built steadily as the resultof such extensive education.

The graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAIThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, was established in1988 as the first Japanese university which offers only graduate courses (noundergraduate courses). As a unique and flexible education system, the five andthree-year doctoral programs are provided for students who have finished anundergraduate and a masterʼs course, respectively. The educational framework of
SOKENDAI has been upgraded to Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies sinceApril 2023 to foster researchers in the next generation who can deal withcomplicated and challenging issues. Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies
co ns i s t s of 20 p ro g r a m s. E ach o n e i s s u p p o r te d by t h e co r re s p o n d i n ginter-university research institute. NIFS is one of the institutes in charge of the
Fusion Science program.
At present, 22 students are learning in the Fusion Science program. The
remarkable point of the program is that students learn a wide range of cutting edge
scientific and engineering knowledge such as plasma physics, atomic physics,
electrical and mechanical engineering, superconductivity engineering, material
engineering, vacuum engineering, and information engineering. This is because
fusion science requires highly integrated synthetic research.

Joint Program of Graduate Educationand Special Research Collaboration Program for Education
In addition to the SOKENDAI education, the graduate course provided at NIFS is based on joint programs with the Graduate
School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo, the Graduate School of Engineering at Nagoya University, the Graduate
School of Science at Nagoya University, the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Science at Kyushu University, andelsewhere. At present, 26 graduate students are involved in this program. NIFS also accepts 11 graduate students from othergraduate universities nationwide and abroad by offering the special research collaboration program and the internship program foreducation.

22

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

NIFS
Research and Education Innovation Office
The Research and Education Innovation Office is composed of
the six committees shown in figure. It plans and implements
activities to deal with various problems related to researchand education at NIFS and to raise the level of research andeducation.
The Academic Planning Committee, newly established thisy e a r, p l a n s a n d m a n a g e s s e m i n a r s a n d r o u n d - t a b l e
discussions that benefit research institute members and theco m m u n it y. We a l s o p l a n i nte r n at i o n a l co nfe re n ce s a n dpublications hosted by NIFS. We will transmit information toacademia based on suggestions from the installed advisoryboard.
In the Research and Education Improvement Office, alongwith the Academic Planning Committee mentioned above, fiveother committees work together to promote the development
and improvement of the research and education environment
at NIFS.

Research and Education Innovation Oﬃce
Advisory Board
Academic Planning Committee
Human Resources Development Committee
Research Cooperation Committee
Compliance Committee
Conflict of Interest Committee
Library Committee
Figure. Composition of the Research and Education Improvement
Office and the committees positioned within it.

Information Systems and Cyber Security Center (ISCSC)
Information network, systems and security
At NIFS, research activities generate a large amount of experimental and computational data. A number of results areproduced from the data by an information system that is organically connected by an information network.
The Information Net work Group provides a stable information network environment. Information networks can be
regarded as the foundation of research activities, but they are still in their infancy and cannot be a reliable foundation simply
by connecting devices. It is important to examine the functions of network devices and consider security.
The Information Systems Group develops, operates, and maintains the various information systems that form thefoundation of NIFS, as well as information systems related to outreach, evaluation, and research support. The processing
capability of an information system is improved by data design and programming methods, and the user interface changes
the ease of use. At the stage of developing information systems, we conduct appropriate system development by clarifying
requirements through hearings with related parties to facilitate and improve the efficiency of research activities.
The Cyber Security Group works with the Information Network Group and the Information Systems Group to create astrong security structure. This includes user education. In addition, members of the Information Security Group also serve as
the Computer Security Incident Response Team (NIFS-CSIRT), and in the event of a security incident, we will investigate thecause and respond to minimize the damage.

26,2002023
26,200NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

23

The Coordinated Research aims at a smooth accomplishment of a wide range of coordinated research activities at NIFS. It plans,establishes, supports the framework of coordinated research, and disseminates coordinated research achievements for theireffective use. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned purpose, the research cooperation committee with the subcommittees
as shown in the figure below were established corresponding to a variety of coordinated research.

Research Cooperation Committee
Subcommittee for cooperation based on agreements

Subcommittee for Security Export Control

Subcommittee for Fusion Field Research Planning on Japan-U.S.
Science and Technology Cooperation Project
Subcommittee for Research Planning on Japan-Korea Fusion
Cooperation Project
Subcommittee for Japan-China Science and Technology
Cooperation ProjectInternational Coordination（2023/4/1）

30

ITER Organization

24

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

NIFS

.

profileNATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 202425

In order to satisfy the broad needs for advancing cutting-edge research, NIFS conducts four collaboration research programs.
These are General Collaboration Research which utilizes facilities of NIFS, and Bilateral Collaboration Research, Fusion
Development Collaboration Research, and Fusion DEMO Reactor Collaboration Research which utilize facilities of other institutes.
The joint use and joint research activities are powerfully developed by accepting research proposals from researchers each year.
（C）

600

（C）

600

550

550

500

500

450

450

400

400

Interdisciplinary

350

350

Fusion science

300

300

250

250

200

200

General Collaboration ResearchWorkshops
Network type

Fusion Technology
Plasma Simulator
Fusion Plasma science

150

150

100

100

LHD Project

50

50

Bilateral

0

Fusion DEMO Reactor02011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

2022

2023

NIFS collaboration research activities are always reviewed and improved so as to be compatible with the latest research trends bychanging the categories of collaboration. In FY2022, the categories of General collaboration Research were revised. The figures
show the number of accepted collaboration subjects in each category. LHD Project Collaboration Research was closed in FY2022.

General Collaboration Research
General Collaboration Research is a system for the collaborators to carry out their research by using the facilities or the resources of
NIFS, including experimental devices, diagnostics, the supercomputer, databases, and others. Because nuclear fusion includes a wide
research area in physics and technology, from fundamental research to application, the system has a variety of categories.
In this collaboration, the collaborators come to NIFS and carry out research at NIFS. However, if it is necessary, NIFS staff
can go to the university of a collaborator to perform joint research there. Furthermore, in the "network-type collaboration"category, the collaborators may conduct experiments at other universities involved in a particular project.
Many exploratory research proposals are adopted in the General Collaboration Research, and since a graduate student canbe a collaborator, it is useful for training young researchers.

26

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCENIFS■ Collaboration Research which utilize facilities of other institutes
Bilateral Collaboration Research
Bilateral collaboration research promotes joint research bilaterally
between NIFS and a research institute or a university research
center which has a unique facility for nuclear fusion research.
Under the collaboration, the facility is open for the researchers allover the country as a joint use program of NIFS, an inter-university
research institute.
At present, five research centers are par ticipating in the
program. They are: the Plasma Research Center at the University ofTsukuba, the Laboratory for Complex Energy Processes at Kyoto
University, the Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University,
the Advanced Fusion Research Center at Kyushu University, andthe Hydrogen Isotope Research Center, Organization for Promotionof Research, at the University of Toyama.

Fusion Development Collaboration Research
Fusion Development Collaboration Research aims to strengtheninternational competitiveness in the field of fusion science and tostrengthen the foundation for human resource development. Fusion
Development Collaboration Research promotes academic researchusing state-of-the-art fusion plasma experiment devices such as
J T- 60S A le d by QST through the joint use p rogr am. Fusion
Development Collaboration Research strengthens collaboration
between academic research and fusion development researchthrough the cooperation of NIFS units and researchers in the fieldof fusion science and a wide range of academic circles. This joint
research is scheduled to start in FY2024.

wide
academic
world

QST

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 202427

8･Kitami Institute ofTechnology

8

72

16

17

20

28

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

NIFSDepartment of Engineering and Technical Services
The Department of Engineering and Technical Services is involved in the operation and maintenance of research platforms suchas the Large Helical Device (LHD) and information facilities such as the research infrastructure network, as well as the design,development, and fabrication of equipment, radiation control, and safety promotion. The Department of Engineering andTechnical Services contributes greatly to the creation of results in fusion research through advanced and specialized technicalsupport.

Mechanical Systems Technology
We manufacture precision parts using
machine tools. We also provide mechanical design support and design
various types of plants.

Machining operation

Precision machined products

Welding of vacuum parts

Structural analysis simulation

Thermal analysis

Design of vacuum popping system

Electronic circuit construction

Electronic circuit parts

High‐voltage inspection

Data Acquisition System

Radiation management support

Remote control system

Web system development

Design and Development Technology
We develop equipment using numericalanalysis software for structural, thermal,
magnetic, fluid, and electric field analysis. We also design and develop
vacuum and cryogenic equipment.

Electrical and Electronic Technology
We design and develop electronic
circuits. We also design and manage
highvoltage power supplies.

Diagnostics and Analysis Technology
We support the development of diagn o s t i c s , a n d p r o c e s s, s t o r e , a n dmanage the data acquired in experiments. We also perform tasks related toradiation.
Development for diagnostics

Control and Information Technology
We develop control systems. We also
operate and manage information networks and perform web development.

Control system development

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

29

Nov. 1980
Mar. 1988
Apr. 1988
May 1989
Apr. 1992
Aug. 1995
July. 1997
Dec. 1997
Apr. 1998
Apr. 2004

May 2004
Apr. 2010
Feb. 2014
Apr. 2016
Mar. 2017
May. 2019
Dec. 2022
Apr. 2023

30

Science Council of the Ministry of Education proposes the “Long Range Plan for Fusion Plasma Research in
Universities”
The structure of the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) and the new project of the Large Helical Device(LHD) outlined
The preparation committee and preparation office for NIFS established
NIFS establishedThe Department of Fusion Science established at the School of Mathematical and Physical Science, Graduate
University for Advanced Studies
The LHD building completed
Headquarters of NIFS moved from Nagoya to Toki
Completion of LHD
The LHD experiments started
Inter-University Research Institute Corporation, “National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)” inaugurated
NIFS becomes one of the research institutes which constitute NINS
National University Corporation,“The Graduate University of Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)” was established;
The Department of Fusion Science established in the School of Physical Scienceｓ, The Graduate University of
Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)
The 15th year anniversary held
The research section reorganized, and the Department of Helical Plasma Research established
Research Enhancement Strategy Office established
Division of External Affairs established
The LHD deuterium experiments started
The 30th year anniversary held
The LHD deuterium experiments completed
The research section reorganized and shifted to the UNIT research system
The LHD restarted as an Academic Research Platform for interdisciplinary study

2023 2024 NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE

NIFS

Aeon Mall Toki●

Headquarter for Co-Creation
Strategy

NATIONAL INSTITUTE for FUSION SCIENCE 2023 2024

31

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation National Institutes of Natural Sciences

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FUSION SCIENCE
322-6, Oroshi-cho, Toki-shi, Gifu-ken 509-5292, Japan
Phone : +81-572-58-2222 FAX : +81-572-58-2601
URL : https://www.nifs.ac.jp/en/

FSC label sample

E-mail : NIFS@nifs.ac.jp

Edited by Scientiﬁc and Public Relations Committee

Published September, 2023

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