Madison Symmetric Torus (MST)

The Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) is a toroidal reversed field pinch device in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is a research device for the study of plasma physics and magnetic fusion energy research. After a three-year construction period, first plasma operation began in 1988. MST is a large RFP with a minor radius of 0.52 m and a major radius of 1.5 m. Although similar in size to the RFX at the University of Padua, it has a much lower volt-second capability and consequent lower plasma current (less than one megampere versus two megamperes). MST research has focused on suppressing turbulent transport and realization of the low magnetic field benefits of the RFP. The research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences.