Conferenza Italiana Plasmi (CIP)

3 Feb 2026, 13:00 → 6 Feb 2026, 14:50 Europe/Rome

Bruno Brunelli hall (ENEA Centro Ricerche Frascati)

Lo scopo della "1° Conferenza Italiana Plasmi" è quello di dare una panoramica delle varie attività nel campo della scienza e della tecnologia dei plasmi e delle loro applicazioni che spaziano dall’astrofisica, alla fusione nucleare fino ai plasmi industriali e che vengono portate avanti a livelli di eccellenza in tutta Italia.

Considerato l'alto numero di registrazioni pervenute e il limite di capienza della sala siamo costretti ad anticipare la chiusura delle iscrizioni al 20 gennaio 2026. 

Il programma dei lavori è online

La conferenza inizierà martedì 3 febbraio 2026 alle ore 13:45.
La conclusione dei lavori nell’ultima giornata è prevista per le ore 12:30.

La registrazione e l’accredito dei partecipanti, con consegna del materiale congressuale, saranno aperti sul luogo il 3 febbraio dalle ore 12:30.

Le presentazioni sono previste in italiano, salvo esigenze particolari.  

Le slide possono essere inglese, per agevolare eventuali uditori non madrelingua italiana.

 

I poster devono essere in formato A0 verticale e devono includere il logo della conferenza scaricabile a questo link .

 

Per rimanere aggiornati sulle novità della conferenza segui il canale "1a conferenza Italiana Plasmi" su WhatsApp:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6r9dSFi8xh8IavfP2a

Agenda CIP2026.pdf

logo_CIP2026.zip

Tavoli progettuali Tavola Rotonda CIP.mp4.download.zip

Tuesday 3 February

13:00 → 13:45 Accredito dei partecipanti

13:45 → 16:05 Sessione pomeridiana 3 febbraio 2026, 1/2

13:45 Apertura lavori

14:00 Overview of physics and technology of magnetic fusion in Italy

Developing fusion energy entails the combination of many different disciplines including plasma physics, materials physics and engineering, computer science. In this talk, an overview will be given of the physics and technology in view of magnetic fusion reactors, including the recent achievements, the current challenges and the main developments. The contributions that the new Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT) will offer for the development of fusion energy will be highlighted.
Starting from a historical perspective, we will discuss the main open issues in the magnetic confinement fusion physics development and report about the current effort in the international community to address them.
Key parts of the fusion technology program include the development of i) suitable materials for the different components/functions, resilient to fusion neutron damage and tolerant to gas production in order to meet lifetime performance requirements, and meeting the lifetime activation requirements in order to avoid geological disposal facilities; ii) a component/system to produce tritium and ensure tritium self-sufficiency while allowing the extraction of fusion power under conditions suitable for maintaining an efficient thermodynamic cycle to produce electricity; iii) a component/system to exhaust the power deposited in the plasma by alpha particles and delivered by external heating without damaging the in-vessel components and without adversely affecting the quality of the burning plasma; iv) superconducting magnets with reduced electrical and cryogenic consumption for the economics of fusion to be viable.
The integration of all fields is essential for understanding the plasma behaviour, for modelling the complex interactions needed to achieve a sustained fusion reaction,and designing and controlling a safe and sustainable fusion reactor.

Speakers: Paola Batistoni (ENEA), Piero Martin (Università di Padova - Consorzio RFX - DTT)

Abstract_CIP_Batistoni_Martin_final.pdf

14:45 The DTT project: status and opportunities for the Italian scientific community

The Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT) [1] is a research infrastructure proposed first in the EFDA Roadmap [2] to investigate innovative solutions for the heat exhaust in the DEMOnstration fusion power plant.
DTT is a compact experiment (major radius R=2.2m, minor radius 0.7m) that mimic the heat generated by fusion reactions using a large amount of external heating power (up to 45MW at the plasma). The DTT plasma current of 5.5MA allows to achieve breakeven-class plasma conditions. The DTT magnet system (toroidal filed B=5.7T) will be made of superconducting components to allow long pulse operation (pulse length of the order of 100s). This, in turn requires all the in-vessel components be actively cooled.
DTT is presently under construction at the ENEA Frascati laboratory by a consortium (DTT s.c.ar.l.) that involves all the Italian public institutions working in fusion and the largest Italian energy company. The presentation will give a description of the scientific program and of the status of the construction.

Reference:
[1] F. Romanelli,et al., Nucl. Fusion 64, 112015(2024)
[2] F. Romanelli, et al., Fusion electricity. A roadmap to the realization of fusion energy. European Fusion Development Agreement, EFDA, ISBN 978-3-00-040720-8 (2012)
.

Speaker: Prof. Francesco Romanelli (University of Rome "Tor Vergata")

Abstract_DTT_Romanelli.docx

ROMANELLI_CIP.pdf

15:15 Connecting the edge to the divertor in tokamak plasmas

The fusion plasma research group at the University of Milano-Bicocca has recently expanded its research to the physics of the tokamak edge, i.e. the region between the confined plasma core, where the field lines do not intersect any solid surface, and the plasma-facing components (PFCs). In this contribution, we present an overview of the group’s ongoing activities in this area, starting from the plasma core and moving outwards to the PFCs.
The outermost region of the plasma core is of crucial importance for determining the overall plasma confinement and, in turn, the achievable fusion power in the perspective of a fusion power plant (FPP). In the so-called high-confinement mode (H-mode) [1], currently considered the reference scenario for FPPs, the edge region exhibits a strong reduction of outward transport. At the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) tokamak, we have correlated the power required to access H-mode with the microscopic shearing of turbulence driven by the E×B drift, itself linked to the ion heating [2]. This connection is currently being further investigated at the TCV tokamak through dedicated experiments, representing one of the first physics-based explanation of the H-mode power threshold.
Further outside, the separatrix, defining the boundary between the confined plasma and the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL), is a key interface region. We performed experiments at ASDEX Upgrade and TCV investigating the ion-to-electron temperature ratio, a critical parameter for confinement predictions, SOL heat flux calculations, and transport characterization, yet still poorly explored. Our results show that Ti/Te is mainly set by global electron and ion heat fluxes from the plasma core, while local effects play only a minor role [3].
Stepping further outward, the plasma-wall contact is usually localised in a dedicated region called the divertor. For reactor conditions, estimated peak heat loads on the divertor exceed material limits and therefore require effective mitigation. A key strategy is detachment, achieved by impurity injection, which radiates most of the heat and forms a recombining plasma layer in front of the PFCs, thus protecting them from direct exposure. In this contribution, we investigate the role of hydrogen molecules in this process and the bifurcating phenomena that arise during the transition to detachment [4].
Finally, to complete the overview, we will outline the group’s involvement in the design, development, and operation of edge diagnostics across different devices.

References:
[1] F. Wagner et al 1982 Phys. Rev. Lett. 49, 1408
[2] M. Cavedon et al 2020 Nucl. Fusion 60 066026
[3] M. Cavedon et al 2025 Nucl. Fusion 65 106007
[4] L Scotti et al 2024 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 66 075004

This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, partially funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). The Swiss contribution to this work has been funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the European Commission or SERI. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission nor SERI can be held responsible for them. This work was supported in part by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Speaker: Marco Cavedon

CIP_Cavedon.pptx

15:45 Fusion power measurement through neutron-independent DT gamma-ray spectroscopy

Recent results from the DTE2 and DTE3 deuterium-tritium (DT) campaigns at the Joint European Torus demonstrated the feasibility of an alternative approach to measuring fusion yield, based on the absolute detection of DT fusion gamma rays emitted by the secondary branch of the DT reaction. Unlike conventional neutron-based fusion power diagnostics, this neutron-independent method does not require in-vessel calibration campaigns. Moreover, it can also be a convenient method for future aneutronic fusion fuels. This novel technique could provide neutron-independent validation of the fusion power achieved in scientific fusion experiments. At last, by improving the accuracy of fusion power measurements, this technique supports the safe and cost-effective operation of future fusion power plants, helping them to operate closer to their licensed performance limits.

Speaker: Giulia Marcer (ISTP-CNR)

slides_presentation.pdf

16:05 → 16:25 Pausa caffè

16:25 → 18:50 Sessione pomeridiana 3 febbraio 2026, 2/2

16:25 An Overview of Current Research in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas

In this joint talk, we will provide an overview of plasma physics research in the context of space and astrophysical environments, charting a journey from our local heliosphere to distant compact objects. We will begin by covering the fundamentals of heliospheric plasmas, including the physics of the solar corona, the properties of the solar wind, and the dynamics of near-Earth plasmas [1]. We will then extend the discussion to astrophysical plasmas. We will mention the rich plasma dynamics associated with cosmic explosions, briefly discuss the properties and behaviour of relativistic outflows, and highlight the peculiarities of relativistic electron-positron plasmas [2]. Finally, we will review the interplay between astrophysical plasmas and cosmic rays, exploring the plasma physics processes at play in the acceleration and transport of energetic particles [3]. Our journey will culminate in a state of the art of plasma phenomena in the vicinity of compact objects such as black holes [4]. The tutorial will end with an overview of the current active research in space and astrophysical plasma physics within the Italian community.

References:
[1] Bruno R. and Carbone V., 2013, Living Review in Solar Physics, 10, 1
[2] Uzdenski and Rightley S., 2014, Reports on progress in Physics, 77, 036902
[3] Amato E. and Blasi P., 2018, Advances in Space Research, 62, 2731
[4] Galishnikova A., Philippov A., Quataert E., Bacchini F., Parfrey, K., and Ripperda, B., 2023,
Physical Review Letters, 130, 115201

Speakers: Dr Elena Amato (INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri), Sergio Servidio (University of Calabria)

AbstractCIP.pdf

SERVIDIO-shared_CIP2026.pptx

17:10 Astrophysical jet modeling

Astrophysical jets are highly collimated outflows observed in a wide range of astronomical systems, from young stellar objects and X-ray binaries to active galactic nuclei (AGN). These jets are intimately linked to the accretion processes occurring around forming stars or supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. I will focus on the extragalactic case, where jets are accelerated to relativistic speeds. These structures span vast spatial scales, originating in the immediate vicinity of the central black hole and potentially extending over several megaparsecs. Their physics involve complex dynamics and non-linear processes, which are best investigated through numerical simulations. I will present the main results concerning their launching and collimation mechanisms, propagation, stability, and interaction with the surrounding medium. Finally, I will discuss methods for deriving realistic predictions of their radiative properties to enable meaningful comparisons with observations.

Speaker: Paola Rossi (INAF Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino)

Rossi.pptx

17:40 Energization and transport of cosmic rays in astrophysical plasmas

I will discuss the main plasma physics challenges to understand how particles scatter inside their acceleration region, around their sources and in the medium between the source and the observer. I will outline how non-linear process are expected to play a crucial role in all of these cases and their phenomenological implications.

Speaker: Pasquale Blasi (GSSI)

CIP-Blasi-1.pdf

18:10 Revisiting the X-Ray Polarization of the Shell of Cassiopeia A Using Spectropolarimetric Analysis

X-ray synchrotron radiation is expected to be highly polarized. Thanks to the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), it is now possible to evaluate the degree of X-ray polarization in sources such as supernova remnants (SNRs). Jointly using IXPE data and high-resolution Chandra observations, we perform a spatially resolved spectropolarimetric analysis of SNR Cassiopeia A (Cas A). We focus on the 3–6 keV energy band on regions near the shell dominated by nonthermal synchrotron emission. By combining IXPE’s polarization sensitivity with Chandra’s higher spatial and spectral resolution, we constrain the local polarization degree (PD) and polarization angle across the remnant. Our analysis reveals PD values ranging locally from 10% to 26%, showing significant regional variations that underscore the complex magnetic field morphology of Cas A. The polarization vectors indicate a predominantly radial magnetic field, consistent with previous studies. Thanks to the improved modeling of thermal contamination using Chandra data, we retrieve higher PD values compared to earlier IXPE analysis and more significant detections with respect to the standard IXPEOBSSIM analysis. Finally, we also estimate the degree of magnetic turbulence η from the measured photon index and PD, under the assumption of an isotropic fluctuating field across the shell of Cas A.

Speaker: Alessandra Mercuri (Università della Calabria, via P. Bucci, cubo 33C, 87036, Rende (CS), Italy)

CIP_Mercuri.pdf

Wednesday 4 February

08:50 → 10:45 Sessione della mattina 4 febbraio 2026, 1/2

08:50 Low Temperature Plasmas: a bridge between Chemistry and Physics

A Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) is a partially ionized gas in which electron energies are of the order of the ionisation potential of atoms and molecules, typically of a few eV, while the ions and the neutral are at low energy, close to room temperature. Essentially, this plasma represents a non-equilibrium system, with the electron temperature being higher than the ion temperature, even of orders of magnitude. In this kind of plasma, the interactions of neutrals with each other and with the wall play a particular role in the redistribution of energy, thus modifying, ultimately, the energy distribution function of the electrons. LTP are present in natural phenomena such as the interstellar medium and the aurora borealis, while laboratory and industrial LTP are of interest in various applied fields such as biomedicine, agriculture and food systems, energy, aerospace, electronics, materials science, environmental remediation and, more recently, plasma-catalysis.
Dusty Plasma (DP) and Non-Neutral Plasma (NNP) constitute two special classes of LTP deserving a dedicated discussion. DP is a complex LTP plasma that also contains charged micro- or nano-particles, which led to more complex dynamics and processes that are not found in LTP.
For DP the field of interest spans from the synthesis of functional nanoparticles, environmental monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, and understanding planetary formation processes.
In NNP the net charge creates an electric field large enough to play an important or even dominant role in the plasma dynamics. In the last years, these plasmas have attracted attention for the applications that can be derived for sophisticated devices, like free electron lasers, gyrotrons, or other electromagnetic wave generators.
LTP plasmas are characterised by multiple and complex physico-chemical processes occurring within them, which can be highlighted and studied through experimental setups equipped with appropriate diagnostic systems.
Furthermore, nowadays the need to create a synergy between experiments and theory is increasingly evident, and LTP are studied using multi-scale models (both on time and length) in which the result of the previous step becomes the input of the next step. These models are based on very accurate theoretical-computational methods, also due to the notable advances in HPC (High-performance computing). Of particular relevance in the study of LTP plasmas is the interplay between chemistry and physics, so that the introduction of the former can help to understand the occurrence of processes that would not otherwise occur. In this regard, it is worth mentioning a method, introduced in the 70s, which for many decades has been unique in the international scenario, this is the state-to-state approach used to study the kinetics, thermodynamic and transport properties of LTP (see [1] and references therein).
In this contribution, we will provide an overview of the key characteristics of LTP, with a specific focus on DP and NNP. We will highlight the chemical and physical processes that occur within these systems, as well as the theoretical modelling methodologies and experimental techniques used for their study and characterization. Additionally, we will emphasise the various applications of LTP. In this context, we will try to provide a comprehensive framework of the various Italian research groups that deal with the different aspects in the field of LTP.

Reference:

[1] M. Capitelli, et al. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. , 16, S30 (2007).

Speaker: Dr Maria Rutigliano (CNR-ISTP)

Abastract_Rutigliano&Antoni.pdf

09:35 Dynamics of a two-dimensional fluid vortex explored via magnetized electron plasmas

A single-species (e.g., electron) plasma can have a theoretically indefinite lifetime in a magneto-electrostatic device such as a Penning-Malmberg trap, a linear, azimuthally-symmetric electrostatic confinement environment immersed in an intense axial magnetic field. Here the transverse dynamics of the sample is isomorphic to the one exhibited by a two-dimensional ideal fluid – with significant experimental advantages lying in the high degree of control on the system's parameters, such as initial conditions and active fluid strain perturbations, as well as the effective diagnostic opportunities [1,2].

An example of such 2D fluid dynamics is the evolution of l-fold symmetric fluid vortices. These structures may be observed in a range of natural environments, such as geophysical and astrophysical flows. Such vortices can be generated from an isolated, cylindrically symmetric vorticity patch and brought to the nonlinear deformation regime (V-state) by means of a resonant excitation of a single Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) mode. In the plasma analogue, this translates into perturbing an electron column of circular cross-section by means of oscillating multipolar electric fields [3]. The stability of V-states has been subject of investigation ever since Kirchhoff’s prediction in the case of a quadrupolar deformation and the generalisation by Deem and Zabusky for arbitrary deformation order [4].

We present here a review of our experimental and numerical investigations on this subject. We show first how we can exploit a combination of techniques to tune the initial radial vorticity profile. We analyse then some characteristic features of V-state insurgence and evolution, as the locking and the strength of the coupling between the perturbation and the external strain field. In particular, we observe the influence of the initial vorticity profile and the structure of the strain field on the vortex-forcing interaction. Following the forced and free relaxation of the V-state after its saturation, we observe that the decay to a “natural” axisymmetric equilibrium may be interrupted, in favour of permanently or intermittently deformed structures. We also implement an autoresonant (swept-frequency, self-locking) excitation scheme - useful, e.g., for the precise control of the KH mode growth – which shows again some peculiar features.

References:
[1] C. F. Driscoll and K. S. Fine, Phys. Fluids B 2, 1359 (1990).
[2] P. Wongwaitayakornkul, J. R. Danielson, N. C. Hurst, D. H. E. Dubin and C. M. Surko, Phys. Plasmas 29, 052107 (2022).
[3] G. Maero, N. Panzeri, L. Patricelli and M. Romé, J. Plasma Phys. 89, 935890601 (2023).
[4] G. S. Deem and N. J. Zabusky, Phys. Rev. Lett. 40, 859 (1978).

Speaker: Giancarlo Maero (Università degli Studi di Milano)

Maero_CIP2026new.pdf

10:05 Plasmas for Physical Vapor Deposition of nanostructured materials

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a vacuum-growth method that allows the deposition of thin films and coatings on a substrate by physically vaporizing a source material and condensing it on the substrate [1]. PVD systems are of pivotal importance in many science and technology fields creating coatings that enhance a material's hardness, wear resistance, and appearance as well as constitute the active material themselves (e.g. in tandem photovoltaic cells). In many of such technique’s plasma, more specifically low temperature plasma, plays a fundamental role.
As an example, magnetron sputtering deposition system exploits a magnetically confined glow discharge plasma used to erode the source material ejecting atoms. The inhomogeneous magnetic field traps electrons near the target, increasing ionization and collisions with the sputtering gas, which leads to more efficient plasma generation and higher deposition rates. The high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) discharge is a recent addition to plasma based sputtering technology. In HiPIMS, high power is applied to the magnetron target in unipolar pulses at low duty cycle and low repetition frequency. This results in a high plasma density, and high ionization fraction of the sputtered vapor, which allows better control of the film growth, down to the nanoscale, by controlling the energy and direction of the deposited species [2].
Also, in Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) the plasma generated during the laser matter interaction tailors the energy of the ejected species determining the features of the growing film. More interestingly depending on the ablation regime (femtosecond or nanosecond) completely different laser plasma scenarios are determined in terms of plasma density and temperature. In the nanosecond regime both ions and electrons interact with the laser pulse. In the fs regime laser matter interaction is only related to electrons being the ions still “frozen” in the crystal lattice. Such differences lead to completely different ablation dynamics that result in the ablation of atomic species or nanoparticles in the two above mentioned regimes [3,4].
In this contribution, we present the work performed at Politecnico di Milano and Nanolab showing the role of plasma parameters in determining the features of deposited films dealing with HiPIMS and PLD both in fs and ns regimes. We will show examples taken from the energy materials branch (i.e. fusion and fission coatings, photovoltaics and materials for laser driven ion acceleration). Finally, some of the models that have been developed to gain understanding of the discharge processes will be presented.

Reference:
[1] Zhenmin Li, Baosen Mi, Xun Ma, Ping Liu, et al. Chem. Eng. Journal, 477, 2023
[2] J. T. Gudmundsson, N. Brenning, D. Lundin, et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A, 30, 2012
[3] J. M. Conde Garrido, J. M. Silveyra, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, 168, 2023
[4] S. Amoruso, G. Ausanio, R. Bruzzese, M. Vitiello, Phys. Rev. B, 71, 2005

Speaker: David Dellasega (Politecnico di MIlano)

Dellasega_CIP2026_LTDP Invited.pdf

10:35 Commemorazione di Mario Capitelli

Speaker: Olga De pascale (CNR, Istituto per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi (ISTP) - sede di Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy)

10:45 → 11:05 Pausa Caffè

11:05 → 13:00 Sessione della mattina 4 febbraio 2026, 2/2

11:05 Overview of Laser/Beam Plasma Interaction and Inertial Confinement Fusion Research and Developments in Italy

Italy has a long and prestigious history of research activity related to the field of laser/beam plasma interaction and inertial confinement fusion, dating back to the last century and spanning many decades. Pioneering experiments and theoretical research have been conducted in our country in this broad field, providing our research groups with the knowledge and expertise necessary to build significant progress and development.
This research area encompasses laser and particle beam interaction with plasmas, inertial confinement fusion, hydrodynamics and instabilities in laser plasmas, high-energy-density plasmas, laser- and plasma-based radiation and particle sources, ultra-intense laser interaction, high-field physics. Related research activities include theoretical and numerical modelling, preparation and execution of experiments, and development of tailored diagnostics.
In this overview we will illustrate current Italian activities on this field, relating them to the international context and to the prospects of this sector.

Speakers: Fabrizio Consoli (ENEA), Dr Anna Giribono (INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati)

Abstract_template_last.pdf

12:20 Advancing Laser–Plasma Radiation Sources for Materials Characterization in the field of Cultural Heritage Analysis

Laser–plasma radiation sources based on solid targets [1] are promising for a wide range of applications, from nuclear medicine to materials characterization. They are attractive because they can generate various types of radiation (e.g., high-energy electrons, ions, neutrons, and γ-rays), allow for energy tuning, and can operate within compact setups. This versatility relies on the precise control of laser and plasma parameters, which requires a solid understanding of plasma physics. The precise tailoring of plasma properties — by tuning laser intensity, target composition, thickness, and surface conditioning — enables control over the maximum energy of the accelerated particles [2, 3]. Therefore, laser–plasma radiation sources represent promising alternatives to conventional accelerators which, although based on mature technologies, remain limited in terms of flexibility and compactness.
Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) are complementary materials characterization techniques used in several fields, including artwork analysis [4]. They rely on the irradiation of samples with protons and photons to induce characteristic X-ray emission. As shown in recent proof-of-principle studies [5–7], PIXE and XRF could benefit from the use of laser–plasma radiation sources in the near future. Indeed, the energies of the accelerated particles and emitted photons are perfectly compatible with those required for the characterization of cultural-heritage materials.
This contribution presents our activities at Politecnico di Milano devoted to the development of laser–plasma radiation sources for materials characterization. We show our advances in terms of targets production (deposited metallic foils and near-critical double-layer targets), and we show its fundamental role in tuning the laser-plasma emitted radiation. Experimental and numerical results of laser-plasma interaction involving our targets are shown as well. Then, a study, performed with the ELIMAIA beamline [8] of the ELI Beamlines facility, of laser-driven PIXE and XRF techniques for the analysis of cultural-heritage materials is presented. Using a proof-of-principle setup [9], laser–plasma–emitted protons and photons were transported in air to irradiate certified reference materials, medieval bronzes, and Roman ceramics. By measuring the emitted characteristic X-rays, the composition of the irradiated samples was determined. This study lays the foundation for the development of laser–plasma accelerators tailored to the characterization of cultural-heritage materials, suggesting that this approach could achieve results comparable to those obtained with conventional sources, while maintaining the inherent versatility of laser-plasma systems.

[1] A. Macchi et al., Reviews of Modern Physics (2013) 85-2 
[2] F. Mirani, et al., Physical Review Applied 24.1 (2025): 014017
[3] I. Prencipe, et al., New Journal of Physics 23.9 (2021): 093015
[4] L. Sottili, et al. Applied Sciences 12.13 (2022): 6585
[5] F. Mirani et al., Science Advances (2021) 7-3 
[6] P. Puyuelo-Valdes et al., Scientific Reports (2021) 11-9998 
[7] M. Salvadori et al., Physical Review Applied (2024) 21-064020 
[8] D. Margarone, et al. Quantum Beam Science 2.2 (2018): 8
[9] F. Gatti et al., IEEE Transaction on Instrumentation and Measurement (2024) 73-3536912

Speaker: Francesco Mirani (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy)

CIP_pres_Mirani.pdf

12:40 Overview of CIRA development in Plasma Space Propulsion

Il Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA) dal 2015 è impegnato nella ricerca e sviluppo di tecnologie di propulsione elettrica spaziale, con focus su propulsori al plasma che possano abilitare le missioni spaziali di prossima generazione (es. richiedenti alta efficienza, utilizzo di risorse in sito e/o propellenti atmosferici, spinte molto basse e talvolta alte). Le attività di ricerca condotte al CIRA comprendono lo sviluppo e la caratterizzazione di sorgenti elettroniche, ovvero Catodi Cavi, propulsori ad effetto Hall, motori a griglia, concetti innovativi (come HEMPT, HELICON, MPD), Propulsori Air-Breathing, tecniche diagnostiche avanzate (ad esempio Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy) e strumenti numerici per la caratterizzazione del plasma e la progettazione/ottimizzazione delle prestazioni dei propulsori.
Nel contesto più ampio della comunità italiana del plasma, il lavoro del CIRA contribuisce a mantenere un elevato standard di eccellenza nella ricerca sul tema e rafforza il ruolo della propulsione elettrica come tecnologia strategica per il futuro delle missioni spaziali.

Speakers: Dr Francesco Battista (Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali), Mario Panelli (Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali)

2026.02.04_ENEA_CIP2026_def.pptx

EP_CIRA_schema.png

13:00 → 14:00 Pausa pranzo

14:00 → 15:40 Sessione Poster 1 Magnetic Fusion Confinement Plasmas e Beam Plasmas & Inertial Fusion e coffee break

P. 1 E. Acampora, R. Ambrosino, Overview of the DTT plasma control system
P. 2 G. Alberti, Overview of divertor erosion and tungsten core plasma contamination studies in the DTT tokamak
P. 3 E. Alessi, Disruptions induced by poloidally asymmetric radiation at JET
P. 4 M. Alonzo, Analysis of the angular distribution of TNSA-accelerated protons in high repetition rate laser-plasma experiments
P. 5 K. Ambrogioni, Simulation of intense-laser interaction with nanostructured materials: challenges and perspectives
P. 6 L. A. Gizzi, Recent developments at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory
P. 7 F. Avella, LP4PIC: Laser pulse reconstruction from experimental measurements to initialize PIC simulations
P. 8 G. Azzalin, Particle-In-Cell modeling of Inductively Coupled Plasmas for the ITER NBI source prototypes
P. 9 D. Banerjee, NIMROD MHD simulation of axisymmetric modes observed in the DT plasma of JET
P. 10 F. Porcelli, Vertical Displacement Oscillatory Modes driven unstable by fast particles: a new fast ion instability of tokamak plasmas
P. 11 P. Buratti, B. Moshref, Wave emission by relativistic electrons in FTU tokamak and a possible astrophysical implication
P. 12 S. Cappello, 3D nonlinear MHD studies at Consorzio RFX: Achievements and challenges in macroscopic modelling of fusion plasmas
P. 13 I. Casiraghi, Towards divertor–relevant conditions in BiGyM: insights from SOLPS–ITER modelling
P. 14 M. Cavenago, Advances in selected accelerator ion source design and theory with multiphysics tools
P. 15 S. Cesaroni, Plasma diagnostics by means of CVD diamond detector arrays
P. 16 F. Cianfrani, Caratterizzazione della turbolenza vicino al punto a X di un tokamak
P. 17 S. Cipelli, Nanosecond laser ablation modeling as support activity for LIBS measurements
P. 18 M. Cipriani, Experiments and simulation on high-power laser irradiation of 3D-printed microstructures
P. 19 G. Fiore, On an analytical optimization of plasma density profiles for downramp injection in LWFA
P. 21 V. Fusco, MHD Stability Analysis and Preliminary Studies of Alfvénic Modes in DTT
P. 22 F. Gaspari, Erosion behavior of boron-based nanostructured materials exposed to fusion-relevant deuterium plasma
P. 23 L. G. Tedoldi, Absolute measurements of 14MeV neutrons with diamond detectors
P. 24 D. Grasso, Magnetic reconnection studies @ISC-Torino
P. 25 B. Grau, Detection of electromagnetic pulses produced by intense laser-matter interaction from parabola modulations in Thomson Spectrometry
P. 26 D. Gregocki, Non-destructive dose monitoring in a harsh laser-plasma environment for medical applications
P. 27 P. Koester, L. Labate, Toward novel approaches to radiotherapy with laser-driven Very High Energy Electron beams
P. 28 P. Mantica, Core-edge integrated predictions of DTT scenarios from early phases to full power operations
P. 29 L. Manzoni, Laser-Driven Electromagnetic Pulses for the Manipulation of Charged Beams
P. 30 C. Marchetto, Transport studies @ ISC-Torino
P. 31 A. Mastrogirolamo, Impact of triangularity on edge plasma transport and detachment: a SOLPS-ITER study
P. 32 L. Melaragni, Overview of Disruption Plasma Scenario Simulations and Advances in Pellet-Based Mitigation Technologies for DTT
P. 33 S. Molisani, Design of DIVO: a new diagnostic system to evaluate the ion velocity distribution functions in fusion devices
P. 34 F. Napoli, Automated Design of Field-Reversed Configurations via Genetic Algorithms and Free-Boundary MHD Modeling
P. 35 M. Notazio, Preliminary Assessment of Magnetic Diagnostics and Equilibrium Reconstruction for the TRUST Tokamak
P. 36 F. P. Orsitto, A neutron source based on spherical Tokamak
P. 37 E. Peluso, Radiated power and radiation density profiles characterizing high emissivity regions during DTE3
P. 38 L. Bonalumi, Optimization of the ECH/CD launching system for NTM control in DTT full power scenario
P. 39 G. Ramogida, Plasma disruptions modelling and simulation in DTT
P. 40 A. R. Cintora de la Cruz, Magnetic fluctuations in fusion relevant plasmas in the RFX-mod device
P. 41 D. Rigamonti, Single crystal diamond detectors for nuclear spectroscopy measurements on DT plasmas at JET
P. 42 M. Romé, A relativistic bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck code for stellarators and tokamaks
P. 43 R. Rossi, Solving Plasma Forward and Inverse Problems with Physics-Informed Neural Networks in Nuclear Fusion
P. 44 N. Rutigliano, TokaLab: A Modular Virtual Tokamak Laboratory for Education, Open Access, and Algorithm Benchmarking
P. 45 L. Scarivaglione, A New Third-Order Law for Electrostatic Turbulence and Blob Transport in Fusion Devices
P. 46 J. Scionti, Helicon wave propagation in BiGyM
P. 47 M. Sciscio, Generation of alpha particles by p+11B fusion driven by high-repetition-rate PW-power lasers
P. 48 D. Simeoni, Finite-Temperature Effects and Warm-Fluid Modeling in Plasma Wakefield Acceleration
P. 49 C. Tuccari, Modelling helium plasma–wall interaction: tungsten erosion and impurity transport in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak
P. 50 S. Vlachos, Single-shot spectrometer with pointing angle correction for laser-driven electron beams featuring pointing instability and transverse inhomogeneity
P. 51 I. Wyss, Analysis of the X-point Radiation in seeded plasmas in JET through tomography reconstruction

14:00 Overview of the DTT plasma control system

The Plasma Control System (PCS) is an essential component of any tokamak, responsible for the real-time management of the plasma to ensure stable operation and optimal performance during fusion experiments. It works in conjunction with other subsystems to monitor and control key parameters during a plasma discharge like the plasma shape, position, density, and temperature.

The DTT PCS represents the central control system for operating the tokamak and managing the plasma within it. Tokamak operations occur in pulses. During a DTT pulse, the PCS manages all the necessary systems (magnetic coils, additional power systems, gas injection systems… ) to allow the execution of the scenario.

The DTT pulse is prepared by the plant’s Supervisory Control System (SCS), which configures the necessary plant systems, including the PCS, based on the pulse scenario or schedule. The Pulse Schedule Preparation System (PSPS) is a component of the SCS responsible for the editing of the pulse schedule, containing all the information needed to execute a DTT pulse, with or without plasma. This includes general parameters, operational limits, plant system configuration (including PCS configuration), and an ordered sequence of tasks and targets for the PCS to execute.

The PCS control is based on the implementation of feedforward and feedback control actions for a range of plant and plasma parameters. The feedforward control actions have the objective to track nominal references of plant parameters given by the Pulse Schedule based on simplified model simulations and previous discharges. The feedback control actions represent the control corrections implemented in real-time based on the measurements of the controlled parameters. These parameters differ in nature defining different set of control functionalities, like magnetic, kinetic, and MHD controls. Even if each functionality needs distinct sets of sensors and actuators, the DTT PCS requires significant functional integration.
In addition to the synchronous control, the PCS must also react asynchronously to events, adjusting its control path or strategy, a process known as exception handling.

The objective of this poster is to give an overview of the DTT PCS architecture with details of the main control functionality related to magnetic, kinetic and MHD control.

Speakers: Emilio Acampora (Consorzio CREATE), Roberto Ambrosino (Consorzio CREATE - University of Naples Federico II, DIETI)

14:01 Overview of divertor erosion and tungsten core plasma contamination studies in the DTT tokamak

The Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) facility is a large experiment under design and construction at the ENEA Research Centre in Frascati, Italy. Its main goal is to assess alternative solutions for the heat and power exhaust problem in future fusion plants [1]. To this end, different configurations will be tested, and safe operation must be ensured in all of them.
One of the major challenges in this framework is plasma–wall interaction (PWI) [2]. Materials may undergo erosion, limiting component lifetime, while eroded impurities can migrate into the core plasma, causing dilution and cooling. These effects must be carefully monitored and controlled in all DTT scenarios.
This work presents an overview of erosion/deposition and core plasma contamination studies for the DTT tungsten divertor using ERO2.0, a 3D Monte-Carlo impurity transport code [3]. Two magnetic configurations are analysed: a single-null positive triangularity (PT) scenario and a negative triangularity (NT) one. Both are investigated at full power with neon (Ne) seeding to achieve detachment, while an attached low-power PT case in pure deuterium (D) is also modelled. In PT scenarios, the impact of Edge Localised Modes (ELMs) is estimated using a novel approach based on literature data [4,5].
The two PT scenarios show comparable net erosion rates, driven by the higher power and the presence of heavier Ne ions in detached plasma. Impurity effects, modelled including oxygen (O) as a proxy, are more significant in the attached case with pure D plasma. For the intra-ELM phase, a D ion burst is modelled by varying its impact angle, energy, and affected surface area. Among these, the impact angle proves to be the most critical parameter, with erosion rates reaching a few tens of nm/s. From a migration perspective, W core contamination from the divertor remains below acceptable limits in all scenarios. The attached plasma exhibits enhanced prompt redeposition near the outer strike point due to higher temperatures, whereas the detached case shows superior screening, effectively suppressing W influx into the core. In the NT scenario, the absence of ELMs results in Ne and O erosion dominating, similarly to PT inter-ELM conditions. The extrapolation of the SOLPS-ITER plasma solution to the divertor surface is particularly relevant for erosion and migration estimates in this case, given the mesh distance to the surface.
Local simulations including the 3D geometry of the divertor tiles are also performed to assess optimal positions for PWI diagnostics in the divertor region.

[1] Romanelli F. et al., NF 64.11 (2024) 112015
[2] Roth J. et al., JNM 390–391 (2009) 1–9
[3] Romazanov J. et al., PS T170 (2017) 014018
[4] Kirschner A. et al., NME 18 (2019) 239244
[5] Kumpulainen H.A. et al., NME 33 (2022) 101264

Speaker: Gabriele Alberti (Politecnico di Milano)

14:02 Disruptions induced by poloidally asymmetric radiation at JET

In a tokamak plasma, impurities can diffuse depending on their atomic mass. One of the main (unwanted) source of impurities is erosion or sputtering of the first wall and of the divertor. The presence of different kind of impurities can modify the plasma dynamics, trigger instabilities, and dissipate energy through radiation.
In the past years, JET-ILW (ILW is for ITER-Like-Wall composed by a Berillium wall and a Tungsten divertor) performed two campaigns in D-T (DTE2 and DTE3) and completed its operations in 2023. JET-ILW demonstrated the possibility of sustaining high performances D-T discharges for long time (~5s) with a metallic wall differently from the former DTE1 campaign (in 1998) when it was operating with a Carbon Wall. One of the main problem faced during JET-ILW operations was the erosion and the ingress of high Z impurities in the plasma, coming from the erosion on the W divertor. This problem has been critical in the high-performance Baseline scenario [1], in particular at high plasma current. Long and stable operations for ~5s achievable with the available additional heating power in DTE3 campaign were limited to a maximum plasma current of 3MA [2].
In this scenario, a poloidally asymmetric distribution of the radiation is often seen, caused by W impurities accumulating off-axis with respect to the plasma center at mid radius in the Low Field Side (LFS). In this work we analyze a large number of experiments (>300 pulses) previously performed in the D campaigns [1,3] at different levels of plasma current, toroidal magnetic field, density, additional heating power.
The aim is firstly to show how much the asymmetric radiation distribution (ARP, Asymmetric Radiation Profile) is related with the possibility of destabilize the plasma and then lead to a disruption. The ARP level is here evaluated as the ratio between the measurements from two vertical bolometric cords, one crossing the plasma in the HFS (High Field Side) and the other in the LFS. JET discharges showing excessive ARP levels can undergo to early soft-stop termination because of high radiation. Alternatively, high ARP leads to a disruption because of core high Z impurity accumulation or because the triggering of 2/1 disruptive modes [4] for excessive radiation on the plasma edge.
Secondly, we will report about the relationship among ARP, plasma current and heating power attempting to determine the likelihood of destabilizing phenomena limiting the development of high performance scenarios.

Acknowledgements
This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

[1] L. Garzotti et al. 2025 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 67 075011
[2] A. Kappatou et al. 2025 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 67 045039
[3] J. Mailloux et al 2022 Nucl. Fusion 62 042026
[4] G. Pucella et al 2021 Nucl. Fusion 61 046020

Speaker: Edoardo Alessi (Istituto per la Scienza e la Tecnologia dei Plasmi, CNR, Milano)

14:03 Analysis of the angular distribution of TNSA-accelerated protons in high repetition rate laser-plasma experiments

In High-Repetition-Rate, TNSA-driven laser-plasma interaction, a crucial aspect is given by the reproducibility of sequential shots. Here the role played by different sources of instabilities that can alter ion and proton acceleration in nominally identical conditions is investigated.
The significative improvements in laser technology and in high repetition lasers, allow to investigate involved physical phenomena with much improved statistics, so letting these infrastructure gaining more and more interest.
These kind of lasers are specially suited for testing laser-driven beam acceleration schemes, as for example in Extreme Light Infrastructure facilities. Despite the fact that these infrastructures are now widespread and widely used, a critical point to address is the level of reproducibility that can be obtained in nominally identical shots and, how the stochastic variations of the interaction can affect the spectra of the accelerated ions at different angles.
We present experimental results of proton spectra achieved with both TOF diamond detectors and Thomson spectrometry arranged at different angles with respect to the target normal in the framework of an experimental campaign, at the VEGA III laser at CLPU (Salamanca).
The interaction regime is based on pulses having duration in the order of 220 fs, laser intensities up to $10^{20}$ W $cm^{-2}$ and about 25J energy on solid targets. We show results obtained considering a statistical analysis of a significant number of similar shots.

Acknoledgement:
This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium,
funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101052200–EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

This work has been carried out within the framework of the COST Action CA21128-PROBONO “PROton BOron Nuclear fusion: from energy production to medical applications”, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology-www.cost.eu)."

Speaker: Massimo Alonzo

14:04 Simulation of intense-laser interaction with nanostructured materials: challenges and perspectives

The intense-laser interaction with low-density nanostructured materials has received increased interest owing to the peculiar regime they enable [1]. This interaction regime, characterised by increased coupling between the laser radiation and the plasma, enables a more efficient heating of the plasma species without any change in the laser parameters, both at ultra-high intensities [2,3]—typical of laser-based particle accelerators, working on a sub-ps timescale—and moderate intensities [4]—typical of inertial-confinement fusion (ICF), working on a ns timescale. However, the modelling of laser-nanostructure interaction presents several challenges owing to the intrinsic material multiple length and density scales—from nm scale of the solid components, up to the 10s-of-µm scale of the material thickness—that affect the interaction [5,6]. In this context, this contribution aims at delving with laser-nanostructure interaction, focusing on nanofoams produced with pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). We present an overview of our PLD-nanofoam aggregation model, focusing on its capabilities in numerically reproducing realistic nanostructures. Then, we show the integration of the output of this code into particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations to accurately simulate the laser-nanofoam interaction. Firstly, we focus on the ps and sub-ps timescale presenting simulations of the main laser pulse interacting with the complete target geometry. Then, we present our results on the kinetic investigation of nanofoam homogenisation process in ICF- and prepulse-relevant scenarios. Our results provide a new insight into the role of the nanostructure in intense-laser interaction with low-density nanostructured targets.

This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

[1] A. Pukhov et al., Physics of Plasmas, 6(7), 2847-2864 (1999).
[2] I. Prencipe et al., New Journal of Physics, 23(9) (2021).
[3] W. J. Ma et al., Physical Review Letters, 122(1) (2019).
[4] A. Maffini et al., Laser and Particle Beams, 2, 1-9 (2023).
[5] L. Fedeli et al., Scientific Reports, 8, 3834 (2018).
[6] M. Passoni et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 61, 014022 (2020).

Speaker: Mr Kevin Ambrogioni (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy)

14:05 Recent developments at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory

The research activity of the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory (ILIL) at Istituto
Nazionale di Ottica in Pisa is focused on fundamental studies of high-intensity laser
interaction with matter and their applications. The Laboratory participates to the
European Infrastructures EuPRAXIA, ELI and HiPER+ and is a member of the
Laserlab-Europe AISBL. Fundamental studies include plasma formation and
heating by intense laser beams, laser-induced instabilities and other non-linear
processes, atomic physics of highly-ionised plasmas, ultrashort X-ray emission
and acceleration of charged particles. In these areas the Laboratory has well
established collaborations with many leading international High-Power Laser
Laboratories and Facilities, as well as Academic Groups and features a long-term
experience in the training of young scientists through several schemes including
European Doctoral Networks.
Since 2022, the Lab is engaged in the implementation of the IPHOQS (Integrated
Infrastructure in Photonics and Quantum Sciences) and EuAPS (EuPRAXIA
Advanced Photon Sources) Infrastructures in the framework of the Italian Recovery
and Resilience Plan (PNRR). ILIL is also part of the PNRR Tuscany Health
Ecosystem “THE” for the development of novel radiation sources for Advanced
Radiotherapy radiation sources. The implementation of these activities includes a
major upgrade of the civil infrastructures and significant updates of the laser and
diagnostics equipment geared towards high average power, high repetition rate
operation and societal applications. A description of the current and soon-available
instrumental and experimental capabilities will be given, also in view of
collaborative and excellence based user operation.

Speaker: Leonida Antonio GIZZI (CNR, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Pisa, Italy)

Abstract_CIP_2026_2[79].pdf

14:06 LP4PIC: Laser pulse reconstruction from experimental measurements to initialize PIC simulations

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are a well-established tool to study and predict the outcomes of a Laser Plasma Accelerator experiment, but the results are often hindered by the initialization of highly idealized laser profiles. In this work, we present the development of a Laser Pulse reconstructor For Particle In Cell simulations (LP4PIC), a Python package to retrieve experimental laser fields to be initialized in a FBPIC simulation.

The retrieval of fields from fluence measurements is based on an improved Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm (GSa), taking in input a measurement before the focusing element and a series of focal scan measurements to retrieve the aberration phase.
LP4PIC is also provided with functions to simulate the focusing of any input profile through phase/absorption plates, eventually providing aberration coefficients, and to give an estimation of aberration coefficients, corresponding for instance to the GSa retrieved phase, performing a Zernike transform. The search for the aberration coefficients it is furtherly improved by a genetic algorithm which optimizes the coefficients obtained through the Zernike transform.

The so-rebuilt fields are finally initialized in a FBPIC simulation through a proper custom interface. Features and characteristics of LP4PIC will be shown through examples, also in terms of PIC simulations results.

Speaker: Federico Avella (CNR-INO)

14:07 Particle-In-Cell modeling of Inductively Coupled Plasmas for the ITER NBI source prototypes

The ITER experiment will employ two Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) systems to achieve the
temperatures required for the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction to occur. Each injector relies
on a negative ion source, in which a low-pressure deuterium plasma is sustained by radiofrequency (RF) power through inductive coupling. The performance of the sources, in terms
of power coupling efficiency and plasma uniformity, depends critically on the dynamics of the
inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Understanding the impact of the ICP dynamics on the
source performance requires a self-consistent kinetic description that can capture plasma–
field interactions on the RF timescale.
In this work, a self-consistent inductive coupling model has been implemented in GPPIC, a
2D–3V Particle-In-Cell Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC–MCC) code written in C++/CUDA and
under development at Consorzio RFX. The code, originally electrostatic and 2D Cartesian,
has been extended to a 2D axisymmetric cylindrical geometry and developed to solve selfconsistently the electrodynamic part of Maxwell’s equations. This development enables the
kinetic study of low-frequency ICPs without relying on simplified power deposition models.
A central aspect of the study is the analysis of density scaling, a numerical technique
commonly adopted in PIC simulations to manage the high computational cost associated with
the kinetic description of high plasma density and volume. In this approach, the vacuum
dielectric constant in Poisson’s equation is artificially reduced, effectively representing a
plasma of lower density. The results demonstrate that such scaling alters the plasma response
to the external RF fields.
Although a fully stable solution has not yet been achieved, the developed code successfully
reproduces key features of low-frequency ICPs, such as plasma oscillations at twice the RF
frequency and ponderomotive plasma compression. Therefore, this work represents a crucial
step toward a self-consistent and kinetic description of RF plasma dynamics in negative ion
sources, directly supporting the optimization of the ITER NBI source.

Speaker: Giulio Azzalin (Consorzio RFX)

AbstractAzzalin.pdf

14:08 NIMROD MHD simulation of axisymmetric modes observed in the DT plasma of JET

Axisymmetric modes (toroidal mode n=0) are considered to play an influential role in the stability of future tokamak fusion plasmas where the large presence of fusion alpha particles can potentially drive these modes [1]. Among them, two possible ones are the well-known GAE (Global Alfven Eigenmode), and the newly emerged VDOM (Vertical Displacement Oscillatory Modes) [2]. Being global in nature these modes may couple the plasma core, the probable region of confinement of alphas, with the plasma edge, impacting the stability of ELMs and subsequently the plasma dynamics in the divertor region through the formation of current sheets in the vicinity of magnetic X-points. During the final DT campaign on JET, dedicated experiments were conducted to observe and diagnose the n=0 modes driven by the fusion born alpha particles, and indeed a bunch of n=0 oscillations was identified in the spectrogram of the experimental magnetic data [3]. To characterize the observed n=0 modes on JET, we have carried out linear simulations with the NIMROD extended MHD code [4] based on the reconstructed experimental profiles from one of the relevant discharges, the shot # 104408 at 7.35s. The primary mode comes out to be VDOM in our simulation with its frequency to decrease with steepening of the density pedestal, as found in the experiment [3]. Besides, another mode of GAE type adjacent to the VDOM peak in the fast Fourier spectra is noticed, which has more prominent structure at the edge pedestal region. The detailed characteristics of these two modes found in our simulation study will be presented and their relationship with the modes observed in the JET D-T experiment will be discussed.
[1] Kiptily, V.G., et al., Evidence for Alfvén eigenmodes driven by alpha particles in D-3He fusion experiments on JET, Nuclear Fusion, 2021. 61(11).
[2] Barberis, T., Yolbarsop, A. and Porcelli, F., Vertical displacement oscillatory modes in tokamak plasmas. Journal of Plasma Physics, 2022. 88(5).
[3] Oliver, H.J.C. et al, Axisymmetric eigenmodes excited by alpha particle energy gradients in JET D-T plasmas, submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett., July 2025.
[4] Sovinec, C.R., et al., Nonlinear magnetohydrodynamics simulation using high-order finite elements. Journal of Computational Physics, 2004. 195(1): p. 355-386.

Speaker: DEBABRATA BANERJEE (Politecnico di Torino)

14:09 Vertical Displacement Oscillatory Modes driven unstable by fast particles: a new fast ion instability of tokamak plasmas

Recent progress on the theory, numerical simulations, and experimental observations of Vertical Displacement Oscillatory Modes (VDOM) in tokamak experiments is reported. VDOM are axisymmetric modes (toroidal mode number n=0) driven unstable by energetic particles and can have an impact on plasma disruptions, plasma edge stability and confinement. They are a candidate to explain Alfvén-frequency n=0 modes recently observed on JET, TCV, and MAST-U. The specific types of fast ion distribution functions that can provide an instability drive for VDOM are discussed. Numerical results obtained by the NIMROD code regarding the simulation of n=0 modes driven by fast ions are shown.

Speaker: Francesco Porcelli (Politecnico di Torino)

Abstract per la Prima Conferenza Italiana sui Plasmi 2026.pdf

Porcelli et al CIP Frascati Feb 2026 final.pdf

14:10 Wave emission by relativistic electrons in FTU tokamak and a possible astrophysical implication

P. Buratti (1, 2), W. Bin (3), A. Cardinali (2), C. Castaldo (1), F. Napoli (1), M. Guerini Rocco (3, 4) and B. Moshref (5)

(1) ENEA, NUC Department, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
(2) INAF-IAPS, via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy
(3) ISTP-CNR, Via R. Cozzi 53, 20125 Milan, Italy
(4) Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, 20126, Italy
(5) Department of Physics, University La Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy

Interactions between plasma waves and relativistic electrons has received renewed interest in the context of runaway electron control in tokamaks. Scattering and slowing-down upon wave emission or absorption can in fact reduce the maximum electron energy, whereas coulombian collisions are ineffective. Some results from tokamaks will be presented, and a possible astrophysical implication will be pointed out.
Details of wave emissions became accessible due to the availability of digitizers with sampling rates of several GHz, faster than relevant waves frequencies. Both broadband and coherent spectra were observed. Coherent waves of the lower-hybrid type were identified in the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade [1], with electron gyrofrequency to plasma frequency ratio $\Omega_{ce} / \omega_{pe}$ ~ 3, whereas whistler waves were identified in DIII-D plasmas with $\Omega_{ce} / \omega_{pe}$ ~ 1 [2]. Experimental results stimulated stability analyses of plasma waves driven by runaway electrons considering hot plasma Maxwellian background [3]. The former FTU team is presently collecting a wealth of new experimental data at TCV.
Broadband wave spectra were often observed on FTU in conjunction with bursty emission. Clear evidence of rapid pitch-angle scattering during wave emission bursts was found [4]. Observed radio bursts assumed in most cases the shape of limit cycles, with growth time of wave amplitude much shorter than the interleaving quiescent periods. The concurrence of wave emission and pitch-angle scattering strongly indicates that the anomalous Doppler instability is occurring. Anomalous means that an energetic electron increases its perpendicular momentum while emitting a plasma wave; this is possible provided that the energy variation associated to the loss of particle parallel momentum upon emission is sufficient to supply both wave emission and perpendicular motion.
Repetitive bursts can be modeled as follows: the momentum distribution of relativistic electrons becomes more and more beamed during quiescent periods, until the anomalous Doppler instability is triggered by anisotropy of the electron momentum distribution and transfers energy from parallel motion to waves and to perpendicular motion. As such pitch-angle scattering reverts the momentum distribution from beamed to nearly isotropic, the instability drive fades and a new quiescent period starts.
Possible astrophysical implications of this mechanism stem from the fact that synchrotron cooling is weak for relativistic electrons with beamed distribution along an ambient (ordered) magnetic field; electrons can then accumulate large energies, and, if the anomalous Doppler instability occurs, such electrons do release very energetic flares during the rapid pitch-angle scattering phase. Linear stability calculations are relatively simple for electron-ion the tokamak plasma, as the cold plasma approximation can be applied for real part of the dispersion tensor. Such approximation has to be removed when considering relativistic astrophysical plasmas; furthermore a substantial population of positrons should be included in this case.

[1] W. Bin et al, Phys Rev. Lett. 129, 045002 (2022)
[2] D.A. Spong et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 155002 (2018)
[3] C. Castaldo et al, Nucl. Fusion 64 086003 (2024)
[4] P. Buratti et al, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 63, 095007 (2021)

Speaker: Dr Paolo Buratti (ENEA and INAF-IAPS)

14:11 3D nonlinear MHD studies at Consorzio RFX: Achievements and challenges in macroscopic modelling of fusion plasmas

As comprehensively reviewed in [1], enormous volume of work has been carried out in understanding and control of various MHD instabilities, in particular in the Tokamak configurations and significant progress has been achieved. Yet, unresolved issues remain, where the MHD description is expected to play important contributions. We here present a survey of our activity focussed to the macroscopic helical self-organization occurring in pinch configurations, eminently in Reversed Field Pinches, which characterize Tokamak scenarios too, for example when dynamo/flux pumping effects play a role. Our simplified 3D visco-resistive full-MHD model (SpeCyl code, collaboration with Dr. Biskamp MPI-IPP 1991 [2]) has been very effective in favoring a paradigm change, anticipating the potentiality of RFP helical ohmic equilibria which result from resistive-kink/tearing modes nonlinear saturation. It provided a framework for understanding and exploring the emergence of Quasi helical regimes (QSH) featuring magnetic chaos healing in RFX device(s) (the largest RFP). Nonetheless, with the aim of growing the comprehension of the basic processes, we advanced our numerial capabilities by acquiring the extended-full-MHD PIXIE3D code (benchmark-verified against SpeCyl, a collaboration started in 2007 with Dr. L. Chacòn LANL-USA [3]). Since 2011, The collaboration with Dr. Grasso and Borgogno (PoliTo) made possible the development of an advanced technique for magnetic field transport analysis: the LCS-fusion tool [4]. Finally, we gained access to the extended-MHD JOREK code thanks to collaboration with its team at MPI-IPP under EUROfusion, since 2018 [5]. We believe the comparison in between different advanced numerical codes is mandatory, given the need to fill the existent gap in fusion to achieve predictive and quantitave modelling capabilities.The present survey of main achievements and perspectives in 3DMHD studies relates the following aspects: i) Transition to Quasi Helical regimes in RFP (QSH)[6]; ii) Boundary Conditions extension toward realistic RFX-mod2 front-end (RFP and Tokamak) [7,10]; iii) Formation of Internal Transport Barriers in RFP (eITB), (Lagrangian Coherent Structures)[8]; iv) Large scale modes (dynamo/flux pumping effect), their control and characterization of plasma flow: Magnetic Reconnection events in current carrying plasmas: RFPs and tokamaks, and interplay with Alfvén waves (possible RFP ion heating mechanism) [9]; v) Assessment of SPI technique to mitigate disruptions in DTT, also in comparison with the MGI approach; vi) initial assessment about ELM physics and correlation with 3D fields in view of DTT [11]. These lines of research are naturally interconnected with nonlinear MHD activities under EUROfusion (TSVV, WP) and DTT programme.
References:
[1] 2025 NF Bandyopadhyay etal MHD, disruptions and control physics DOI 10.1088/1741-4326/ade7a0
[2] 1996 NF Cappello&Biskamp Reconnection processes and scaling laws in RFP MHD DOI 10.1088/0029-5515/36/5/I05
[3] 2010 PoP Bonfiglio etal Nonlinear 3D verification of the SPECYL and PIXIE3D MHD codes for fusion
DOI 10.1063/1.3462908
[4] 2019 PPCF Pegoraro etal Coherent magnetic structures in self-organized plasmas DOI 10.1088/1361-6587/ab03b5
[5] 2021 NF Hoelzl et al The JOREK non-linear extended MHD code and applications to large-scale instabilities and their control in magnetically confined fusion plasmas DOI 10.1088/1741-4326/abf99f
[6, 2004 PPCF] Cappello Bifurcation in the MHD behaviour of a self-organizing system: the reversed field pinch
DOI 10.1088/0741-3335/46/12B/027
[7, 2013 PRL] Bonfiglio etal Experimental-like Helical Self-Organization in Reversed-Field Pinch Modeling DOI 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.085002
[8, 2020 NF] Veranda etal Helically self-organized regimes and magnetic chaos healing DOI 10.1088/1741-4326/ab4863
[9, 2024 NF] Kryzhanovskyy et al Global Alfvénic modes in ohmic tokamak following magnetic reconnection events DOI 10.1088/1741-4326/ad1df2
[10, 2024 JPP] Spinicci et al Impact of a free normal velocity boundary on external MHD modes DOI 10.1017/S0022377824001247
[11] 2025-28 PhD project Calcagno “Modeling of ELM physics and correlation with 3D fields in view of DTT”
(Consorzio RFX Supervisors: Bonfiglio1,2 and Pigatto2 )

Speaker: Susanna Cappello (CNR - Consorzio RFX)

2025_CIP26_Abstract_FT_r_upload (2).pdf

2026_CIP26_A0_Cappello_FT_final.pdf

14:12 Towards divertor–relevant conditions in BiGyM: insights from SOLPS–ITER modelling

Plasma–material interactions are a key challenge for magnetic confinement fusion and are widely investigated in linear plasma devices. The GyM [1] linear device currently operates at plasma densities of $10^{15}–10^{17}\text{m}^{-3}$, electron temperatures below 15 eV, and ion fluxes up to $10^{21} \text{m}^{-2} \text{s}^{-1}$, representative of tokamak main chamber conditions.
To reach divertor–relevant plasma regimes (densities of about $10^{19}\text{m}^{-3}$ and ion fluxes approaching $10^{23} \text{m}^{-2} \text{s}^{-1}$), GyM is being upgraded to the high–density BiGyM device, featuring helicon–wave plasma generation via two 10 kW birdcage antennas at 13.56 MHz, a revised magnetic configuration, a redesigned vacuum vessel, and new in–situ surface diagnostics.
This contribution presents the plasma modelling activities conducted with SOLPS–ITER[2] to support the upgrade. Parametric simulations assessed the influence of injected power, neutral pressure, magnetic field configuration, and boundary conditions on plasma density and temperature. Different working gases, including helium and argon, were considered to evaluate the plasma performances.
For a representative discharge in helium (B = 20 mT, p = 0.8 Pa, P = 3 kW), predicted electron densities of $(1.5–2.0)\times 10^{19} \text{m}^{-3}$ and electron temperatures of 4–5 eV are obtained along the device axis.
Plasma density and temperature vary by less than 15% across the different magnetic configurations, at a fixed absorbed power density. For refining the spatial distribution of electron heating according to the magnetic configuration, initial work has been carried out to couple SOLPS–ITER simulations with power deposition modelling from helicon sources performed in COMSOL.
The predicted plasma conditions meet the performance targets set for the BiGyM upgrade, confirming that the adopted design choices are well suited to access divertor–relevant regimes and supporting the finalisation of the device construction.

Acknowledgments
This work has been carried out within the framework of Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU (Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 3.1 - Area ESFRI Energy - Call for tender No. 3264 of 28-12-2021 of Italian University and Research Ministry (MUR), Project ID IR0000007, MUR Concession Decree No. 243 del 04/08/2022, CUP B53C22003070006, "NEFERTARI").
This work was partly funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Grant 200020-204983.

References
[1] A.Uccello et al, Front. Phys. 11:1108175 (2023)
[2] S.Wiesen et al, Journal of Nuclear Materials 463 (2015) 480–484

Speaker: Dr Irene Casiraghi (Istituto per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi (ISTP) - CNR, Milano, Italy)

CIP2026_Abstract_Casiraghi.pdf

14:13 Advances in selected accelerator ion source design and theory with multiphysics tools

The simulation of plasmas and their containing surfaces involves many aspects, so that a careful choice of the multiphysics relevant model is necessary. Note that ion sources (IS) for accelerators are necessarily bounded by metal or insulator walls, so that their physical characteristic should be accounted for. Moreover charge large sheaths develop near walls, and an ambipolar potential controls plasma transport. Another feature is the use of radiofrequency (RF) or microwaves to energize plasma. This work discusses (as examples) the case of ECRIS (electron cyclotron resonance IS) with its restored relation to elliptical equations and the RF negative ion source for fusion, where the simulation of the Faraday Shield is compuationally very requiring: moreover both cross field drifts and the Tonks-Langmuir-Self complete sheath equation are relevant to ion beam formation.

Speaker: Marco Cavenago (INFN-LNL)

cip2026cavenago_Advances_ion_beam_source_design_microwave_coupling_faraday_shields.pdf

14:14 Plasma diagnostics by means of CVD diamond detector arrays

Thin, single crystal CVD diamond detectors are being developed at the Laboratory of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, for some specific applications, including the diagnostic of fusion plasmas, both inertial and magnetically confined. From the first installation of two photodetectors on JET [1], and later on FTU [2], several potential areas of investigation have emerged, some of which will be further explored with the first Diamond Camera, planned for installation on TCV in 2026. Diamond photodetectors are primarily envisaged as replacements for other semiconductors, in particular Si diodes, in set-ups requiring close proximity to the plasma, thanks to their higher resilience to neutron damage and high temperatures, their high S/N ratios, and their extremely fast response. For these reasons, a diamond tomography system is currently under construction for the SPARC experiment [3] and is under design for the DTT facility [4]. The capability of CVD diamonds to detect various fast events, such as those associated with pellet ablation, MARFEs, ELMs, and Anomalous Doppler Instabilities, has also been demonstrated [5]. To a certain extent, they can complement traditional metal-foil bolometers for plasma radiated power estimates and for resolving internal mode numbers. A new area of investigation planned on TCV will be the detection of suprathermal and runaway electrons by measuring the asymmetries of the bremsstrahlung emission in the UV and keV energy ranges.

[1] M. Angelone, D. Lattanzi, M. Pillon, et al., Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A 595 (2008) 616
[2] S. Cesaroni, M. Angelone, G. Apruzzese, et al., Fusion Engineering and Design 166 (2021) 112323
[3] S. Normile, D. Vezinet, C. Perks, et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 95 (2024) 093102
[4] A. Belpane, E. Peluso, S. Palomba et al., JINST 20 (2025) C04009
[5] F. Bombarda, M. Angelone, G. Apruzzese, et al., Nucl. Fusion 61 (2021) 116004

Speaker: Silvia Cesaroni (ENEA)

CIP2026_abstract_v1.pdf

14:15 Caratterizzazione della turbolenza vicino al punto a X di un tokamak

Il trasporto di particelle ed energia in un tokamak è prevalentemente di natura turbolenta e costituisce un aspetto cruciale per il confinamento del plasma. La sua comprensione risulta quindi necessaria per la pianificazione dei futuri reattori e per la massimizzazione della performance. Da un punto di vista empirico, la turbolenza si manifesta tramite coefficenti di trasporto cosiddetti "anomali", circa 100 e 10 volte superiori ai valori classico e neoclassico attesi in un approccio a due-fluidi sulla base delle collisioni elettroni-ioni e degli effetti geometrici dovuti alla morfologia del campo magnetico (l'attrito dovuto alle particelle intrappolate).

Verranno qui presentati i risultati di alcune simulazioni locali compiute nei dintorni del punto a X di un plasma di tipo tokamak. Il modello di riferimento è quello di Hasegawa-Wakatani in 3 dimensioni, in cui la sorgente di energia libera è fornita dai gradienti di background e l'accoppiamento dovuto alla corrente parallela al campo magnetico rende il sistema turbolento (turbolenza di drift). Verrà evidenziata la formazione di profili saturati con tendenza all'assisimmetria, dovuta a una cascata inversa nella direzione toroidale, in cui però i residui gradienti paralleli sostengono la turbolenza e sono perciò rilevanti benché soppressi. I corrispondenti spettri di energia saranno analizzati in relazione ai parametri del modello, in particolare l'intensità dei gradienti di background e la diffusività, e verrà discusso il ruolo dei diversi flussi coinvolti e delle cascate nelle direzioni toroidale e poloidali. Infine, i campi simulati verranno utilizzati come background per l'analisi della deviazione statistica di un set di tracers passivi, al fine di determinare le caratteristiche del sistema dinamico ottenuto.

Sebbene l'inclusione di effetti globali (sia di integrazione con il core e le pareti, sia lungo la direzione poloidale) possa alterare i risultati presentati, il modello fornisce una efficace descrizione dei meccanismi fisici di piccola scala ($\leq$ 1cm) responsabili del trasporto. Infatti, l'analisi dei tracers evidenzia un comportamento di natura diffusiva e un'amplificazione del coefficiente di transporto a valori anomali, di cui verrà discusso lo scaling rispetto all'energia turbolenta al fine di un confronto con approcci del tipo modello $\kappa-\epsilon$.

Speaker: Francesco Cianfrani (ENEA CR FRASCATI)

Cianfrani_Abstract.pdf

14:15 MHD Stability Analysis and Preliminary Studies of Alfvénic Modes in DTT

Stability analysis is of fundamental importance for the operation of plasma fusion devices, as it helps prevent poor confinement with consequent loss of plasma performance and potential damage to plasma-facing components. For these reasons, a detailed analysis of plasma stability properties is being carried out for the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) [1], a new machine under construction in Frascati, Italy, aimed at designing and testing a divertor capable of handling high thermal loads and power exhaust.
In this work, the full power scenario is investigated for both positive and negative triangularity configurations. High-resolution plasma equilibria are computed using the CHEASE code [2] and analyzed with the linear stability code MARS [3]. The considered scenario is characterized by the presence of a q < 1 region, which can give rise to ideal and resistive internal kink modes [4]. Moreover, high-performance scenarios relevant to next-generation reactors may also drive a class of MHD instabilities known as infernal modes, which occur near rational surfaces with low magnetic shear and sufficiently steep pressure gradients.
In addition, a preliminary analysis of global Alfvénic modes has been performed as a first step toward future investigations including energetic particles produced by neutral beam injection (NNBI). The energetic particle distribution function, obtained from ASCOT simulations [5], is modeled using an anisotropic slowing-down distribution within the hybrid MHD–gyrokinetic code HYMAGYC [6]. Finally, indicative results illustrating the impact of energetic particles are presented using a single-null equilibrium and a Maxwellian distribution function.

References
[1] R. Martone, R. Albanese, F. Crisanti, A. Pizzuto, P. Martin. “DTT Divertor Tokamak Test facility Interim Design Report, ENEA (ISBN 978-88-8286-378-4), April 2019 ("Green Book")” https://www.dtt-dms.enea.it/share/s/avvglhVQT2aSkSgV9vuEtw.
[2] H. Lütjens, et al., 97, Issue 3, 1996, Pages 219-260.
[3] A. Bondeson, G. Vlad, and H. Lütjens. Physics of Fluids, B4:1889–1900, 1992.
[4] V. Fusco et al, 2022 47th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics P2a.125,
http://ocs.ciemat.es/EPS2022PAP/pdf/P2a.125.pdf
[5] J. A. Heikkinen et al. , Computer Physics Communications 181 1968–1983, 2010.
[6] G. Fogaccia, et al., Nuclear Fusion, 56:112004, 2016.

Speaker: Valeria Fusco (ENEA)

Abstract_VFusco_DTT_MHD_Alfven_Modes[20].pdf

14:16 Nanosecond laser ablation modeling as support activity for LIBS measurements

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising diagnostic technique for monitoring PFCs during and after plasma exposure, enabling the assessment of elemental and isotopic composition through optical emission spectroscopy. For quantitative depth profiling and fuel retention studies, accurate knowledge of the ablation rate and thermal effects induced by a single laser pulse is essential, as these processes influence the behaviour of trapped impurities. In this context, a nanosecond laser ablation model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to support LIBS measurements on fusion-relevant materials.
The model solves the heat conduction equation using a heat flux with Guassian distribution in space and time, incorporating temperature-dependent material properties and phase transition through an apparent heat capacity formulation. Two materials removal mechanisms were considered – normal evaporation and phase explosion – depending on the incident fluence and ablated material. Laser energy attenuation caused by plasma shielding was implemented through an exponential attenuation term.
For model validation, a dedicated experimental campaign was carried out by irradiating tungsten and silicon samples in a low pressure chamber ($p\approx 10^{-2}\:\text{mbar}$) using a $10\:\text{ns}$ Nd:YAG laser. Ablation craters were characterized by optical microscopy, mechanical profilometry, and SEM, allowing extraction of depth, width, and volume. For tungsten, experiments in the $0.4-2\:\text{mJ}$ energy range ($4-20\: \text{J/cm}^2$ considering the central gaussian region of the crater) showed no evidences of phase explosion; normal evaporation was therefore assumed. The model reproduced the crater depth with good accuracy, with relative discrepancies generally below $20\, \%$. For silicon samples irradiated between $4$ and $20\: \text{mJ}$ ($25-60\: \text{J/cm}^2$), phase explosion was identified as the dominant mechanism, and agreement within $20\, \%$ was obtained for crater depth after accounting for a small experimental variation in spot diameter.
The model successfully predicts crater geometry, while subsurface temperature field computations allow to quantify heat diffusion, providing support for future depth-resolved LIBS fuel retention measurements.

Acknowledgements:
Work carried out in the frame of project NEFERTARI- CUP B53C22003070006, funded by the European Union under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)- NextGenerationEU.

Speaker: Stefano Cipelli (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per la scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi, Milano)

Abstract CIP2026 Cipelli.pdf

14:17 Experiments and simulation on high-power laser irradiation of 3D-printed microstructures

The research on Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) requires constant research for identifying new materials. Micro-structured low-density materials, or foams, with a randomly arranged internal structure, have been shown mitigate, to some extent, the detrimental effect due to hydrodynamic instabilities seeded by non-uniform irradiation, while also increasing the laser absorption efficiency and enhancing the pressure at the shock front. Laser 3D printing represents the new way of obtaining foams with precisely controlled morphology, gradients in density and pore size and sample shapes which would be challenging to make with other techniques.
In this presentation we will discuss recent experimental results obtained by high-power laser irradiation of 3D-printed plastic porous materials manufactured using the two-photon polymerization technique. The irradiations were performed at the ABC laser facility at ENEA Centro Ricerche Frascati, at the fundamental wavelength and at intensities ranging from 10$^{14}$ W/cm$^2$ to about 10$^{15}$ W/cm$^2$, relevant for ICF [1]. We will also present the results of a simulation work which is still ongoing to investigate the influence of the structural parameters of the materials on the plasma evolution. The simulations were performed with the FLASH code in 3D on the ENEA CRESCO8 High Performance Computing cluster in ENEA Centro Ricerche Portici. The simulations show a good agreement with the experimental data from the previous campaign. Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations were also conducted to investigate the thermalization of the plasmas filling the pores, generated by the ablation of the filaments constituting the material. This will lead to more robust and reliable modeling of the foam plasma homogenization, crucial for future target designs.

References
[1] M. Cipriani et al., accepted on Matter and Radiation at Extremes.

Acknowledgment
This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Speaker: Mattia Cipriani (ENEA - CR Frascati)

CiprianiM_AbstractCIP.pdf

14:18 On an analytical optimization of plasma density profiles for downramp injection in LWFA

We propose and test a multi-step preliminary analytical procedure that tailors the initial
density fn0 of a cold diluted collisionless plasma to a very short and intense plane-wave
laser pulse travelling in the z direction, so as to maximize the early laser wakefield acceleration
(LWFA) of bunches of plasma electrons self-injected in the plasma wave (PW) by the
first wave-breaking (WB) at the density down-ramp. The procedure partially inverts the
determination of the motion of the plasma electrons for a given pulse and (for simplicity,
slowly varying) fn0(Z): the motion of every infinitesimal layer of electrons having coordinate
z = Z > 0 for t ≤ 0 is determined using a fully relativistic multi-stream plane model
(encompassing the Lorentz-Maxwell equations) that is valid as long as the pulse depletion
can be negleted; up to WB, its equations reduce to a family (parametrized by Z) of decoupled
pairs of Hamilton equations for a 1-dimensional system where ξ = ct−z replaces
time t as the independent variable. We apply the procedure to a Gaussian laser pulse with
lfwhm = 10.5λ and a0 = 2; using the latter and two associated fn0(Z) as inputs, we then
determine the detailed plasma dynamics by FB-PIC simulations, confirming the predicted
maximal acceleration in the early LWFA stages.
Main references
[1] G. Fiore, P. Tomassini An analytical optimization of plasma density profiles for downramp
injection in laser wake-field acceleration, arXiv:2506.06814, to appear in Physica
D.
[2] G. Fiore, A preliminary analysis for efficient laser wakefield acceleration, 2022 IEEE
Advanced Accelerator Concepts Workshop (AAC), Long Island, NY, USA, 2022, pp.
1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/AAC55212.2022.10822960.
[3] G. Fiore, T. Akhter, S. De Nicola, R. Fedele, D. Jovanovi´c, On the impact of short
laser pulses on cold diluted plasmas, Phys. D: Nonlinear Phenom., 454 (2023), 133878.
[4] G. Fiore, M. De Angelis, R. Fedele, G. Guerriero, D. Jovanovi´c, Hydrodynamic impacts
of short laser pulses on plasmas, Mathematics 10 (2022), 2622.
[5] G. Fiore, Travelling waves and a fruitful ‘time’ reparametrization in relativistic electrodynamics,
J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 51, 085203 (2018).

Speaker: Gaetano Fiore (Università di Napoli, and INFN - Sezione di Napoli, Italy)

Abstract_Fiore_CIP2026.pdf

14:20 Erosion behavior of boron-based nanostructured materials exposed to fusion-relevant deuterium plasma

In tokamak fusion devices, Plasma-Wall Interaction (PWI) represents one of the main concerns for future reactors. Indeed, such phenomena lead to the erosion of Plasma Facing Components (PFCs), resulting in the transport of eroded particles into the plasma and their subsequent redeposition. These processes significantly affect plasma confinement performance, as well as the lifetime and operational reliability of PFCs [1]. Tungsten (W) has been chosen as the main material for the PFCs of ITER. To improve plasma confinement, boronisation is expected to be performed to generate a thin boron (B) layer on top of W surfaces [2]. Consequently, the study of PWI involving W and B is crucial for the development of future fusion reactors. In particular, the erosion behavior of B and B-W redeposits in recessed regions of the first-wall of ITER-like devices remains largely unexplored, thus requiring to be addressed. A promising way to do so is to expose laboratory produced materials relevant for tokamak redeposits in linear plasma devices.
The present work investigates the impact of ITER first-wall-relevant plasmas on B and B–W porous materials. Nanostructured samples with morphologies ranging from nanoparticles aggregate to tree-like were fabricated using femtosecond Pulse Laser Deposition (fs-PLD), which allowed control over films' properties, to systematically study their influence on erosion. In particular, B coatings with $5\%$ to $50\%$ of bulk density and B-W coatings with W concentration of $\approx5\ at.\%$ were produced. Oxygen content was $<5\ at.\%$ in all samples. Subsequently, the films were exposed to deuterium (D) plasma with ion fluences of $\Phi=7.0\cdot10^{23}-2.8\cdot10^{24}\ ions/cm^2$ and energies in the range $E_{ion}=43-223eV$, inside the GyM linear plasma device [3].
Before and after the exposure, the samples were weighted on a microbalance and characterized by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS). These measurements enabled the estimation of morphology and composition evolution, eroded mass and effective sputtering yield for the exposed materials. In particular, the emergence of magnetic-field-oriented structures from compact disordered boron is observed in all samples, whereas elongated needle-like structures arise for compact boron films. This could be attributed to the deposition on top of the surface of molybdenum atoms from the sample-holder mask and/or the formation of localized sputtering-resistant phases, which limit the erosion beneath such regions. Furthermore, the preferential sputtering of B in B-W samples is highlighted by tungsten enrichment up to $10\ at.\%$ after exposure. Then, comparing the behavior with $E_{ion}$ of the effective sputtering yield for B samples with SDTrimSP data, it is found that the results for $E_{ion}>43eV$ generally follow the model's trend within $20\%$ for the more compact samples, while set to much lower values for the more porous ones, most probably caused by the presence of tree-like structures that suppress effective sputtering. Instead, values of effective sputtering yield up to four times higher than the model were reached for $E_{ion}=43eV$, likely due to ion-assisted chemical erosion at the samples exposure temperature of 550K.
Aknowledgements: The authors acknowledge the financial support of the European Union Next Generation EU and Italian Ministry of University and Research as part of the PRIN 2022 program, project “Nanomaterials for Fusion: experimental and modeling of nanostructured materials and plasma-material interactions for inertial \& magnetic confinement fusion” (project ID: 2022N5JBHT, CUP D53D23002840006).

Speaker: Federico Gaspari (Politecnico di Milano)

CIP_2025_Abstract_Gaspari.pdf

14:21 Absolute measurements of 14MeV neutrons with diamond detectors

Neutron measurements are of crucial importance for the forthcoming DT fusion reactors as they allow to measure the fusion power, which is a primary parameter to evaluate the fusion performance.
The standard method for fusion power measurement is based on counting neutrons with fission chambers cross-calibrated with activation foils. This method requires complex Monte Carlo simulations benchmarked with in-vessel calibration measurements. The capacity of performing absolute neutron measurements allows to overcome these necessities.
In this work a diamond detector is studied to obtain absolute measurements of 14 MeV neutrons produced by the DT reactions. The detector was studied first at the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) in Frascati, Italy, where the absolute neutron flux is well known, in order to obtain the detector efficiency. The measurements were then repeated at the Neutron Irradiation Laboratory for Electronics (NILE) facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in the UK to verify the efficiency obtained previously. The measurements of the neutron flux are taken simultaneously with several activation foils and a metrology calibrated diamond detector in order to confirm the results.

Speaker: Letizia Giulietta Tedoldi

Tedoldi_abstract_CIP.pdf

14:22 Magnetic reconnection studies @ISC-Torino

The Plasma Unit of the Institute of Complex Systems of the CNR at the Politecnico di Torino focuses on the theoretical and numerical analysis of magnetic reconnection processes in plasmas of interest for both space and fusion applications. In particular, we study the fundamental processes that govern the interaction between magnetic reconnection and fluid turbulence [1,2], the instability of plasmoids in a turbulent plasma [3], the control of magnetic islands [4] and reconnection instabilities driven by runaway electrons in a post-disruption plasma [5]. Here, we present the main results achieved so far and outline our ongoing activities.

Reference:
[1] D. Grasso et al., Phys. Plasmas 27, 012302, 2020.
[2] C. Marchetto et al., Submitted to Physics of Plasmas.
[3] D. Borgogno et al., The Astrophysical Journal, 929:62 (10pp), 2022.
[4] D. Borgogno et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 060704, 2014.
[5] D. Borgogno et al., to be submitted to Physics of Plasmas.

Speaker: Daniela Grasso (CNR-ISC and Politecnico di Torino)

Abstract_GRasso_CIP2026.pdf

Poster_CIP1.pdf

14:23 Detection of electromagnetic pulses produced by intense laser-matter interaction from parabola modulations in Thomson Spectrometry

When a high-intensity laser interacts with matter, it creates a plasma, thus emitting particles and generating strong electromagnetic (EM) radiation. We focus for this study on the emitted EM fields ranging from MHz to THz, known as electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). These EMPs, originating from various sources in laser-matter interactions [1], can reach peak intensities of the MV/m order, posing risks to electronic devices, spoiling the measurements, and being harmful to individuals. The study of EMPs is then of primary importance in laser-matter experiment to know how to mitigates them. However, they also proved their interest in many applications such as medicine, defense, and aerospace.
Various detectors are typically employed for EMP characterization [2]; this work investigates the possibility of using Thomson Spectrometry which is a commonly used diagnostic in many laser-matter experiment, as an alternative diagnostic tool. This device detects and differentiates laser-accelerated ions, according to their charge-to-mass ratio, via combined electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, producing characteristic parabolic traces on the detector. However, under the influence of EMPs, the particles that enter the spectrometer deviate from their ideal trajectory, producing modulations and ripples on the detected signals, which encode information on the transient electromagnetic fields.
We present an analysis of such EMP-induced distortions, observed during an experiment of high-power laser-plasma interaction, performed with a kJ-class laser at the Prague Asterix Laser System (PALS). This experiment gives a unique opportunity to correlate the spectral deformation of ion parabolas with EMP activity inside the interaction chamber.
Previous investigations mainly focused on EMP-induced distortions of proton signals [3], in this work, we extend the methodology to heavier ions, whose parabolic traces carry complementary information on the EMPs strength. The analysis highlights similarities in the modulations shape and amplitude between proton-associated distortions and those affecting heavier ion traces.
These results demonstrate that the Thomson Spectrometer, traditionally employed for ion diagnostics, can also serve for EMP characterization.
References
[1] Consoli F, Tikhonchuk VT, Bardon M, et al. 2020;8:e22. doi:10.1017/hpl.2020.13
[2] Consoli F et al., Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 379: 20200022 (2021)
[3] Grepl, F. et al., Appl. Sci. 11, 4484 (2021)
Acknowledgements:
This work is supported by PALS “FUSION: Maximizing the p(11B, a)2a reaction using in-plasma and pitcher target configurations and novel target design” (PID: 26286) financed by LaserLAB Europe and partially supported by INFN-FUSION Experiment. This work has been partially carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101052200—EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission.

Speaker: Benoist Grau (University of Rome Tor Vergata)

Abstract_CPI_BenoistGRAU.pdf

14:24 Non-destructive dose monitoring in a harsh laser-plasma environment for medical applications

Laser-accelerated electron beams, in the so-called Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) energy range, are of great interest for biomedical applications, particularly for developing compact accelerators for FLASH radiotherapy. Reliable real-time dose information is essential for radiobiology experiments using such laser-driven sources. We present an online dose-monitoring method based on an Integrating Current Transformer (ICT) paired with a dedicated collimator, enabling shot-to-shot dose estimation under well-defined assumptions. Cross-calibration with standard RadioChromic Film (RCF) dosimetry shows excellent agreement, confirming the accuracy and applicability of the ICT-based approach for experimental VHEE studies.

Speaker: David Gregocki (ILIL, CNR-INO in Pisa)

14:25 Toward novel approaches to radiotherapy with laser-driven Very High Energy Electron beams

Electron accelerators based on the so-called Laser WakeField Acceleration process, whose experimental study has been mostly taken place over the past 20-30 years, have now reached a sufficient maturity to be considered for several applications. Among these, their use as compact devices for novel, and possibly more effective, radiotherapy modalities is deserving a great and growing attention. At the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory of CNR-INO in Pisa, research is rapidly progressing toward the development of compact and flexible laser-driven accelerators of so-called Very High Energy Electrons (VHEE) beams (with energy in the range $\sim\mathrm{100\!-\!250MeV}$) suitable for direct electron radiotherapy. Technology transfer is also ongoing, ultimately aiming at a clinical translation of this technology, via a newborn start-up company. An overview of recent experiments and technological developments will be provided, and the perspectives for an actual translation to the clinical practice in the medium term will be shown.

Speakers: Petra Koester (CNR-INO), Luca Labate (CNR-INO)

14:26 Core-edge integrated predictions of DTT scenarios from early phases to full power operations

The Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) facility is under construction in Frascati. The design phase has been supported by intensive scenario modelling, to allow optimization of the heating mix and to provide reference scenarios for diagnostic system design, MHD stability evaluations, estimates of neutron yields, calculations of fast particle losses, fuelling requirements, and other tasks. Consistency of the scenarios with the electromagnetic control systems has been assessed, as well as compatibility of the core performance with the scrape-off layer and divertor requirements. The possibility to operate with negative triangularity shapes has also been assessed, and experiments on TCV and ASDEX-Upgrade have been performed with the same shapes foreseen in DTT. The simulations cover all phases of the plasma discharge: current ramp-up, flat-top and ramp-down, using state-of-art physics-based transport models for temperatures, density, impurity species and current density.
Starting from the early phases when only a fraction of RF power and no NBI will be available, up to the full 45 MW power, this contribution will discuss the type of scenarios achievable and the transport physics issues that can be addressed in each phase. Negative triangularity has been shown to be a possible option to avoid ELMs and still maintaining good performance, in addition to strongly shaped and seeded positive triangularity scenarios. At full power, the possibility of achieving a Hybrid scenario will be discussed, to avoid the large sawteeth that characterize the q95~3 baseline scenarios. Advanced Tokamak scenarios at high beta can also be studied at half field and different power levels, providing complementary results to JT-60 SA.

Speaker: Paola Mantica (IFP CNR)

Mantica_abstract.pdf

14:27 Laser-Driven Electromagnetic Pulses for the Manipulation of Charged Beams

The interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with matter generates a wide range of physical phenomena, including particle acceleration and emission of pulsed electromagnetic radiation ranging from ionizing (γ, X, UV) to non-ionizing frequencies. Among these emissions, Electromagnetic Pulses (EMPs) extend from the MHz to the THz range [1] and can reach field strengths of several MV/m at distances of about one meter from the interaction point. While such intense transient fields have traditionally raised concerns regarding electronic equipment integrity and personnel safety in experimental facilities, increasing attention is now being devoted to their use for innovative applications.
A recently-patented scheme developed at ENEA - Centro Ricerche Frascati enables the generation of large-intensity (MV/m and beyond) transient electric fields over large volumes with specific spatial distributions [2]. These configurations open the way for a broad spectrum of applications in areas including particle acceleration and beam manipulation, medicine, biology, electromagnetic compatibility, materials science, aerospace, electronics and sensor.
We present here considerations regarding the patented ENEA EMP-based scheme for the conditioning of charged particle beams, either laser-driven or conventionally accelerated, with a focus on temporal/spatial beam chopping and energy selection of broadband beams. The study integrates analytical models of single-particle dynamics with dedicated numerical computations of particle bunches. The results show that EMP-driven devices offer a promising route to compact, high-performance beam manipulation systems, providing high field strengths, ultrafast rise times, and compact setups compared to conventional techniques. This innovative method shows performances far beyond the current state-of-the-art of existing particle-beam-chopping devices used in conventional particle accelerators, and allows for effective energy selection of beams accelerated by high intensity laser-matter interaction, such as TNSA (Target Normal Sheath Acceleration) scheme.

[1] F. Consoli, et al. High Power Laser Science and Engineering, 8, e22 (2020).
[2] F. Consoli et al, Patent PCT/IB2020/057464, WO2021/024226

Acknowledgment
This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Speaker: Leonardo Manzoni (Sapienza, Università di Roma)

Abstract CIP.pdf

14:28 Transport studies @ ISC-Torino

In the framework of magnetic reconnection studies, and in collaboration with EUROfusion partners, we study how the presence of a large magnetic island, like the ones due to a (neoclassical) tearing mode in a tokamak, changes the transport in radial direction (core to edge and vice versa) [1]. The general purpose is to study the interplay between such an island and the accumulation of tungsten in the core. The problem became recently of interest because on one side the new ITER baseline foresees the whole inner wall covered in tungsten [2] and on the other because experimental data in various tokamaks show an accumulation of tungsten in the core in presence of a magnetic island. The technique is to implement in transport codes like ASTRA and JINTRAC an opportune modification of transport coefficients in the island position and as large as the island width, as measured in the experiment, and to analytically estimate the value of the coefficients in the island [2].
In collaboration with the NEMO group at Politecnico di Torino and with EUROfusion partners, we study the presence of impurities inside a tokamak in case in which innovative components are considered for the first wall. In particular we study the behaviour of tungsten in the Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS), foreseen to be a beam-driven tokamak aiming to test in-vessel components under high-neutron flux[3], and of tin inside AUG in an experiment performed to understand how Liquid Metal Divertors (LMD) tokamaks would perform.
Here, we present the main results achieved so far and outline our ongoing activities.

References:
[1] C. Marchetto et al to be submitted to Physics of Plasmas
[2] C. Marchetto et al Invited at 1st ECMRP, Marseille, 23-26 May 2023
[3] E. Bray Oral at TTF-EU, Budapest, 9-12 September 2025
[4] E. Bray To be submitted to Nuclear Materials and Energy

Speaker: Chiara MARCHETTO (CNR-ISC and Politecmnico di Torino)

14:29 Impact of triangularity on edge plasma transport and detachment: a SOLPS-ITER study

In magnetic confinement fusion, tokamak plasmas with negative triangularity (NT) have emerged as a promising alternative to H-mode operation scenarios, achieving high confinement while remaining in L-mode, thus inherently free of edge-localized modes [1]. Recent experiments in Tokamak a Configuration Variable (TCV) have shown that NT plasmas feature more challenging access to divertor detachment and reduced target cooling compared to positive triangularity (PT) cases [2, 3].

In this work, we numerically investigate two Ohmic L-mode, lower-single-null discharges at TCV, characterized by opposite upper triangularity and identical divertor geometry. The edge plasma is modeled with the state-of-the-art SOLPS-ITER mean-field boundary plasma code [4, 5], to examine the aforementioned experimental differences.

Simulations assuming identical cross-field transport coefficients show no appreciable differences between NT and PT, indicating that magnetic geometry alone cannot reproduce the experimentally observed behavior. Instead, agreement with upstream and divertor target measurements of the plasma density and temperature is achieved assuming reduced cross-field particle transport in NT, consistent with theoretical predictions of turbulence suppression. Those simulations reproduce the reduced target cooling in NT, indicating higher power fluxes and shorter power fall-off length $\lambda_q$. NT simulations also show more difficult access to detachment through higher target temperatures, a more attached ionization front for comparable upstream densities, and a narrower neutral pressure distribution. The simulations were repeated at different upstream densities for both NT and PT configurations and compared with the upstream and target profiles, and divertor neutral pressure measurements acquired during density ramp experiments. The analysis of the density ramp further confirms that reduced cross-field transport is required in NT simulations to reproduce the experimental observations.

These results, recently published in [6], highlight how variations in the underlying cross-field transport regimes can accurately account for the distinct behaviors observed in NT and PT, providing valuable insight into the edge physics of NT configurations and their implications for power exhaust in future reactors.

[1] S. Coda et. al, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 64, 014004. (2021).
[2] B. Duval et. al, Nuclear Fusion 64, 112023. (2024).
[3] O. Février et al, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 66, 065005 (2024).
[4] X. Bonnin et al, Plasma Fusion Research 11, 1403102 (2016).
[5] S. Wiesen et al, Journal of Nuclear Materials 463, 480-484 (2015).
[6] F. Mombelli et al, Nuclear Fusion 65, 106012 (2025).

Speaker: Andrea Mastrogirolamo (Politecnico di Milano)

14:30 Overview of Disruption Plasma Scenario Simulations and Advances in Pellet-Based Mitigation Technologies for DTT

This work provides an overview of the progress achieved so far in the electromagnetic simulation of plasma instability phenomena in tokamaks, focusing on the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT). The main aim is to provide a concise summary of the current strategies for disruption mitigation, focusing on Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI), seen as the primary disruption mitigation method during the full-power operation of the machine.

Experience gained in recent years has shown that vertical displacement events represent one of the most critical challenges for the integrity of internal components, due to the sudden release of thermal and electromagnetic energy they involve. These conditions induce eddy currents and localized loads on passive structures, potentially compromising machine components, if not properly controlled. Numerical studies indicate that with SPI technology, the electromagnetic effects acting on surrounding components can be reduced.

The development of new sets of mitigated disruption scenarios, using the MAXFEA code, forms part of a broader effort to evaluate how mitigation approaches may enhance operational safety. This comparative analysis also highlights the importance of improving the technologies used for the production and delivery of cryogenic pellet, as their performance is crucial for radiating a large fraction of the plasma energy before it reaches the first wall and for achieving effective load reduction.

Overall, this work serves as a synthetic contribution that brings together recent advances in disruption simulations and disruption mitigation system design carried out for DTT.

Speaker: Letizia Melaragni (Università degli Studi della Tuscia)

14:31 Design of DIVO: a new diagnostic system to evaluate the ion velocity distribution functions in fusion devices

In magnetized plasmas, there are many dynamical processes that affect the ion velocity distribution function, both in laboratory and astrophysical environments. Measurements of this quantity can give useful insights for the study of phenomena such as magnetic reconnection, ion heating and acceleration, and turbulence activity. For this purpose, we designed a new diagnostic system that evaluates the ion velocity distribution function at the edge of fusion plasmas. The proposed device, called DIVO (Diagnostic for Ion Velocity Observation), resolves the two components of the ion velocity, parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field, independently from each other. DIVO will be mounted at the plasma edge in the RFX-mod2 experiment, a Reversed-Field Pinch device, that has been upgraded with a modified magnetic boundary and several improvements on the diagnostic capabilities and will start its operation in 2026. This device offers a direct and local measurement that will enhance our knowledge on the thermal and supra-thermal ion populations at the plasma edge, as RFX-mod was not equipped with any instrument able to locally evaluate the ion distribution functions in velocity space. The working principle of this diagnostic system is based on the force balance between the electric and the Lorentz force, with the aim of getting rid of the Larmor gyration of the ions, which is associated with the perpendicular component of the velocity. Since the balance depends on the ion's perpendicular velocity, a specific externally applied electric field allows for the selection of ions with $v_{\perp}$ within a precise range, while the parallel velocity is evaluated by the ion's impinging position on a matrix of detectors. The instrument is equipped with a series of parallel thin metallic plates that filter the incoming ions. This filtering method is a key element of the device, as it allows to select the particles with the correct gyrophase and $v_{\perp}$ and improve the resolution of the system. Individual particle simulations using Boris algorithm have been performed to optimize the instrument design and performances, assess its expected velocity resolution and operational range, and evaluate the transmission function needed to convert the detected counts into the original distribution function of the ions.

Speaker: Sara Molisani (Università degli Studi di Padova - Consorzio RFX)

14:32 Automated Design of Field-Reversed Configurations via Genetic Algorithms and Free-Boundary MHD Modeling

A new computational framework has been developed for the magnetic configuration design and equilibrium optimization of Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) [1], leveraging the combined capabilities of genetic algorithms (GA) [2,3] and advanced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling [4]. Genetic algorithms are stochastic population-based optimization methods particularly well suited for highly nonlinear problems where the search space may contain numerous local minima and the objective function is not amenable to gradient-based optimization techniques. Genetic algorithms enable efficient global exploration of complex design spaces and, through years of successful applications, have proven particularly effective for non-convex and multi-modal optimization problems such as those arising in plasma equilibrium and magnetic configuration design [5]. The proposed method integrates a GA-based optimizer with the ASTRA (Axisymmetric Simulation Tool for Reversed-field plasma Analysis) free-boundary equilibrium code developed in ENEA Frascati [6] which solves the Grad–Shafranov equation for FRC plasmas in the presence of external magnetic fields generated by a set of independently powered coils. Within this framework, the GA iteratively adjusts the currents in the external coil array to find a MHD equilibrium with a target magnetic separatrix shape, representing a desired equilibrium configuration. This work will study the possibility of modeling the plasma current density profile according to the Rigid Rotor Model (RRM) [7,8]. The RRM is a well-established, experimentally validated approach that accurately captures the self-consistent balance between magnetic pressure and plasma rotation in FRCs. Extending the optimization domain to include the parameters that define the rigid rotor current density allows the algorithm to identify the optimal coil current distribution necessary to achieve the prescribed equilibrium. It can also potentially determine the frequency of the rotating magnetic field (RMF) necessary to sustain the steady-state azimuthal plasma equilibrium current. This self-consistent coupling of equilibrium reconstruction, external magnetic field design, and RMF current drive characterization could be a powerful tool for exploring advanced steady-state FRC regimes. The developed framework could enable the automation of equilibrium synthesis, multi-parameter optimization, and parametric studies of FRC magnetic topologies under realistic engineering constraints. Its flexible and extensible design makes it suitable for application to both tuning experimental configurations and for conceptual, reactor-scale design studies, supporting the systematic advancement of compact, magnetically confined fusion systems based on the FRC concept [9].
References
[1] L. C. Steinhauer, Review of field-reversed configurations, Phys. Plasmas 18, 070501 (2011)
[2] M. Mitchell, An introduction to genetic algorithms, MIT Press, ISBN 0-262-63185-7 (1998)
[3] D.E.Goldberg, Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization, and Machine Learning, Addison-Wesley, New York (1989)
[4] J. P. Freidberg, Ideal MHD, Cambridge University Press (2014)
[5] Z. L. An, X. P. Liu, B. Wu, X. J. Zha, Optimization of Positions and Currents of Tokamak Poloidal Field Coils Using Genetic Algorithms, Fusion Science and Technology, 50(4), 561–568 (2006)
[6] F. Cichocki, F. Napoli, D. Iannarelli, F. Taccogna, Numerical study of rotating magnetic fields for enhanced plasma propulsion, 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, 14-19 September 2025
[7] R. L. Morse, J. P. Freidberg, Rigid Drift Model of High-Temperature Plasma Containment, Research Notes, Cambridge (1969)
[8] A. Qerushi, N. Rostoker, Equilibrium of field reversed configurations with rotation. III. Two space dimensions and one type of ion, Physics of Palsmas 9, 12 (2002)
[9] C. Galea, S. Thomas, M. Paluszek, et al. The Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration for Compact Nuclear Fusion Power Plants, J. Fusion Energ. 42, 4 (2023)

Speaker: Francesco Napoli

Abstract_CIP_F_Napoli.pdf

14:33 Preliminary Assessment of Magnetic Diagnostics and Equilibrium Reconstruction for the TRUST Tokamak

The Tuscia Research University Small Tokamak (TRUST) is a compact university-scale device currently under design at Università degli Studi della Tuscia. Conceived as a flexible and cost-effective platform, TRUST supports education, technology development, and physics studies of relevance to next-generation fusion devices. The conceptual design foresees a baseline single-null configuration with R₀ = 0.3 m, Iₚ = 110 kA, Bₜ = 0.8 T, and aspect ratio A = 2.5, while allowing access to double-null and upper single-null magnetic topologies. Its modular architecture enables straightforward integration of innovative components and future upgrades.

In this work, finite-element (FEM) models of several magnetic configurations for TRUST are developed using the MAXFEA code. A preliminary arrangement of magnetic probes and flux loops is considered, and synthetic magnetic measurements are used together with the EFIT equilibrium solver to investigate the reconstruction capability over different plasma scenarios. The comparison across configurations allows evaluating the consistency between the magnetic layouts and the proposed diagnostic set.

The results represent an initial indication of the reconstruction performance achievable in a TRUST-like device and offer general guidance for the progressive refinement of the magnetic diagnostic system as the design of the machine evolves.

Speaker: Matteo Notazio (Università degli Studi della Tuscia)

14:34 A NEUTRON SOURCE BASED ON SPHERICAL TOKAMAK

The projects of neutron sources based on nuclear fusion is becoming an important argument for the strategic positioning of the road-map of fusion realization worldwide. In this context, the paper presents a NEW innovative conceptual study of a neutron source based on a spherical tokamak(ST). The plasma scenario chosen for the ST is non-thermal fusion ( hot ion mode) , extensively used on machines like JET and TFTR Deuterium-Tritium (DT) experiments, which seems suited for low fusion gain reactors. As demonstrated on experiments, this scenario is a robust tool for neutron production. Starting from a new scaling law of energy confinement tested approximately on ST40 spherical tokamak, the parameters of a 15MW ST DT Fusion reactor (ST180) are derived and a preliminary radial build of the machine is determined.

Speaker: Francesco paolo Orsitto (Consorzio CREATE ed ENEA Dip FSN)

14:35 Radiated power and radiation density profiles characterizing high emissivity regions during DTE3

Abstract:
During the DTE2 and DTE3 JET campaigns, efforts were made to develop a high-current baseline scenario [1]. Baseline plasmas were affected by impurities (primarily beryllium Be and tungsten W), which were localised on the low-field side of the device. Tomograms derived from bolometric measurements highlighted regions of high radiated emissivity at the periphery of the plasma. This radiation avoided the core from being poisoned by such impurities, which could otherwise lead to an abrupt termination of the discharge (disruption) or simply prevented high fusion performance from being achieved. Such sort of screening was ensured by maintaining a steady ELM regime [1]. This contribution presents an analysis of tomograms derived from bolometric measurements in order to estimate the radiated power and radiation density profiles of these highly emissive regions for a selected set of DTE3 pulses. Preliminary results show that emissivity peaks occur in these regions close to the top of the pedestal (i.e. around ψ~0.75 with respect to ψ~0.9), accounting for up to 78% and 71% of the radiated power from the core and total radiated power, respectively. Further efforts will be dedicated to an extended systematic analysis. This work is expected to be relevant for modelling purposes, considering the provided radiation density profiles as sinks, and could provide a feature for disruption mitigation studies.

Acknowledgements: This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them

References
[1] L. Garzotti et al., “Development of high-current baseline scenario for high deuterium–tritium fusion performance at JET”, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 67 (2025) 075011 (10pp)

Speaker: Emmanuele Peluso (ENEA - Tor Vergata)

E.Peluso_et_al_CIP_2026_submit.pdf

14:36 Optimization of the ECH/CD launching system for NTM control in DTT full power scenario

Next italian high performance tokamak, Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT)[1], will be equipped with a electron cyclotron heating and current drive [2] (ECH/CD) capable of delivering to the plasma the power of 32 gyrotrons at 170 GHz, 1 MW. The main objectives [3] of this system are sustaining plasma current, EC assisted start up, bulk heating during the flat-top phase, and to control MHD and Neoclassical Tearing Modes (NTMs).
The design of the ECH/CD system is almost complete however some details can still be optimized as, for example, the focusing of the beams inside the plasma.
Uncontrolled NTMs (in particular the m/n = 2/1 and 3/2 modes) can substantially reduce plasma performance and lead to mode locking and disruption if it is not actively suppressed. ECH/CD is a well-established technique to stabilize NTMs by depositing localized power at the resonant surface. Four launchers are placed in an upper position of the tokamak to have access to the rational surface locations where NTM can develop, and will be equipped with the power of 8 out of the 32 sources. The injected power provides a stabilizing effect through both the direct current drive and the modification of the current profile induced by local heating. The effectiveness of these mechanisms depends on plasma parameters, launcher injection settings (toroidal/poloidal angles) and launcher optics (beam focusing).
In this work we study how the EC beam width affects the physics of stabilization: for narrow deposition the suppression is predominantly current–drive dominated, while for broader beams the stabilization increasingly relies on heating, with a corresponding increase of the power needed for the suppression. As a drawback, narrower beams will require improved resolution in the alignment of ECW deposition with the island. In order to evaluate how changes in beam width impact the NTM control, we use a reduced model based on the generalized Rutherford equation, constrained by parameters from integrated scenario simulations.
The resulting framework provides also a compact tool to simulate how different control strategies can operate in DTT, under different conditions. Final aim of this presentation is to investigate how different beam widths impact NTM control, through strategies as search and suppress, sweeping, and also applications of reinforcement learning. These results illustrate how an appropriate choice of focusing can optimize the NTM control, defining an effective range of EC beam widths that enhances desirable features of the suppression trajectory in the DTT full–power scenario.

[1] F. Romanelli et al. 2024 Nucl. Fusion 64, 112015.
[2] S. Garavaglia et al. 2026 Fusion Engineering and Design 222 115488.
[3] G. Granucci et al. 2024 Nucl. Fusion 64 126036

Speaker: Luca Bonalumi

14:37 Plasma disruptions modelling and simulation in DTT

Plasma disruption events are responsible for the most important transient EM and thermal loads on the plasma chamber, the in-vessel components and other conducting structures neighboring the plasma. This work reviews the simulations of plasma disruption carried out, by different MHD codes, to support the design of vacuum vessel and other components in facility DTT Divertor Tokamak Test [1], that is under construction in Frascati, Italy.
DTT, in addition to its main mission in investigating the scientific and technological issues related to power and particles exhaust, can represent a significant study facility for the control and mitigation of plasma disruptions. The high attainable plasma current in safe structural conditions and the available external heating, together with the flexibility in approaching different magnetic configurations in ITER-like geometry, allow the implementation of experimental campaigns devoted to investigate different disruptions mitigation techniques, by means also of the proposed SPI and MGI systems.
This work reviews the assumptions adopted in DTT design. including the expected time evolution of the plasma in case of unmitigated and mitigated MD and VDE, the budget of disruptions allowable by design, the structural impact and the choice of the worst-case events assumed for the EM and structural analyses of the machine.
The whole set of plasma simulations has been carried out by axisymmetric MAXFEA code, and it has been integrated and benchmarked with results by JOREK, DINA, NSF and CREATE simulations. Next, EM analyses have been carried out by ANSYS to evaluate EM loads in the real 3D geometry.

[1] F. Romanelli et al., Divertor Tokamak Test facility project: status of design and implementation, 2024, Nucl. Fusion 64 112015, doi:10.1088/1741-4326/ad5740.

Speaker: Dr Giuseppe Ramogida (DTT)

14:38 Magnetic fluctuations in fusion relevant plasmas in the RFX-mod device

The RFX-mod device is a toroidal device for the magnetic confinement of fusion relevant plasmas, which is presently being upgraded and is planned to restart operation as RFX-mod2 with a modified and improved magnetic boundary. Thanks to the flexibility of its power supply and advanced feedback control systems it can be operated in a variety of configurations, mainly the tokamak and the reversed-field pinch. Here we present an analysis of the magnetic fluctuation properties measured by means of distributed high-frequency in-vessel sensors. The spectral characteristics of the fluctuations are observed to strongly depend on the magnetic equilibrium.
In particular, reversed-field pinch plasmas exhibit almost cyclic relaxation phenomena, also known as dynamo events, associated with magnetic reconnection processes, with the generation of toroidal magnetic flux and with the destabilization of Alfven eigenmodes. At high plasma current, these events result in the transition from self-generated helical equilibria, induced by the action of a dominant kink-resistive mode, towards a more turbulent state with many modes at comparable amplitude and overlaps of magnetic islands within the plasma, producing strong chaoticity of the magnetic field map and a degradation of the confinement properties.
It has been proven that active dynamical modification of the magnetic edge toroidal field, and the associated poloidal current drive (through the so-called Oscillating Poloidal Current Drive, OPCD technique) can induce the transition toward improved confinement regimes, with the generation of internal thermal barriers. The associated steep pressure gradients act as free energy source for various electrostatic and magnetic plasma instabilities, like the micro-tearing modes. The effect of the plasma equilibrium on the measured magnetic spectral properties will be here discussed.

Speaker: Alan Ricardo Cintora de la Cruz (Consorzio RFX, CRF - Università degli Studi di Padova)

Abstarct CPI 2026 Cintora.pdf

14:39 Single crystal diamond detectors for nuclear spectroscopy measurements on DT plasmas at JET

In the last decade, single crystal diamond detectors have been extensively used at JET for neutron spectroscopy measurements along collimated lines of sight. Although diamonds can measure 2.5 MeV neutrons, their use is optimized for 14 MeV neutrons. This is due to the exploitation of the 12C(n-)9Be nuclear reaction channel which results in a well-defined gaussian peak in the recorded energy spectrum. Beyond their use as 14 MeV neutron spectrometer, in the last two JET deuterium-tritium (DT) experimental campaigns, diamonds have been exploited as DT neutron yield monitor. Furthermore, they can spectrally separate 2.5 MeV and 14 MeV neutrons providing a challenging DT fusion power measurement in trace tritium plasmas, when the neutron contribution due to deuterium-deuterium fusion reactions is important.
Diamonds have been cross-calibrated with the standard neutron yield diagnostics at JET and demonstrated to be reliable over the whole DT campaigns. Results from the JET DT campaigns will be described.

Speaker: Davide Rigamonti (ISTP-CNR)

Rigamonti_CIP_2026_V1.pdf

14:40 A relativistic bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck code for stellarators and tokamaks

In modern magnetic fusion devices plasma temperatures of several keV are obtained, so that relativistic effects may play an important role on the electron kinetics. We report here on the development of a new 2.5D fully relativistic, bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck code, suitable for the simulation of the radio frequency heating in both tokamaks and stellarators.

The present code represents a thoroughly revised and improved version of the Fokker-Planck for Toroidal Mirrors (FPTM) code [1,2], originally developed using a non-relativistic approach for the description of Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) and Current Drive (ECCD) in the W7-AS stellarator. In addition to accounting for relativistic effects on the electron dynamics due to collisions [3] and interaction with radio frequencies, an interface for the coupling with the EC ray-tracing code TRAVIS [4] is foreseen.

In the code, the presence of trapped and passing particles is considered by using a bounce averaging procedure. A characteristic feature with respect to other codes is the possibility to treat the presence of different populations of trapped particles. This approach is suitable for describing radio frequency heating in stellarators, when the power deposition is located within a small flux tube around the magnetic axis with several magnetic traps along the toroidal coordinate.

References

[1] N. Marushchenko, U. Gasparino, H. Maaßberg and M. Romé, Comp. Phys. Comm. 103, 145 (1997)
[2] M. Romé, V. Erckmann, U. Gasparino, H. J. Hartfuß, G. Kühner, H. Maaßberg and N. Marushchenko, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 39, 117 (1997)
[3] B. J. Braams and C. F. F. Karney, Phys. Fluids B 1, 1355 (1989)
[4] N. B. Marushchenko, Y. Turkin, and H. Maaßberg, Comp. Phys. Comm. 185, 165 (2014)

Speaker: Prof. Massimiliano Romé (Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano and INFN Sezione di Milano)

Abstract_Rome.pdf

14:41 Solving Plasma Forward and Inverse Problems with Physics-Informed Neural Networks in Nuclear Fusion

Forward and inverse problems play a fundamental role in many areas of plasma physics and nuclear fusion, including plasma performance prediction, instability evolution analysis, transport modelling, equilibrium reconstruction, and tomography. Typically, forward numerical models are developed under specific assumptions, and their parameters are iteratively adjusted to match experimental data. Conversely, inverse problems often rely on simplifying hypotheses or limited measurements, which can restrict their accuracy and physical consistency.
A relatively new and promising methodology to address both forward and inverse problems is based on Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs). PINNs combine data and physics in a fundamentally different way, offering an alternative to conventional numerical models. Among their distinctive features are the ability to handle incomplete physical models, manage noisy or line-integrated boundary conditions, and operate as meshless solvers.
This work introduces and explores the application of PINNs to solve forward and inverse problems in plasma physics, and more specifically in nuclear fusion, with examples such as equilibrium and tomography reconstruction. It demonstrates how to implement a multi-diagnostic approach with high-fidelity physics-based modelling of diagnostics to account for non-linear effects, how to treat noisy data, and how to appropriately balance the contributions of prior physics knowledge and experimental measurements to ensure accurate and reliable results. Finally, future developments, in terms of both physics applications and methodological upgrades, are also discussed.

Speaker: Riccardo Rossi (Università di Roma 2 Tor Vergata)

Rossi - Abstract CIP2026.pdf

14:42 TokaLab: A Modular Virtual Tokamak Laboratory for Education, Open Access, and Algorithm Benchmarking

Developing open, transparent, and transferable knowledge frameworks is essential for advancing plasma physics research and supporting both theoretical and experimental studies. In this context, we have developed TokaLab: an open-access virtual tokamak designed for education and research. This repository aims to foster learning, collaboration, and the adoption of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) within the plasma physics community.
TokaLab features a modular and flexible architecture that enables the integration of new geometries, diagnostics, and simulation tools at various levels of complexity, rendering it easily extensible and adaptable to a wide range of applications. It serves not only as an engaging educational platform but also as a powerful resource for synthetic data generation and computational method exchange, facilitating the benchmarking and validation of algorithms, including AI-based and inverse problem approaches in thermonuclear plasma physics.
By combining educational resources, research tools, and a collaborative environment, TokaLab aims to lower entry barriers for newcomers while promoting reproducibility, innovation, and knowledge sharing among experts. In this contribution, we present the platform’s architecture, demonstrate examples of application, and explore its potential to drive innovation, training, and AI integration in the future of plasma science.

Speaker: Novella Rutigliano (Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata)

14:43 A New Third-Order Law for Electrostatic Turbulence and Blob Transport in Fusion Devices

Understanding the mechanisms that govern the turbulent dynamics in tokamak devices is of primary interest for achieving a net production of energy from nuclear fusion processes.
In this work, we investigate the turbulent transport of blob-like structures in the Scrape-Off Layer by means of numerical simulations based on the reduced Braginskii equations in a simplified geometry. We derive a novel third-order exact law for the characterization of the turbulent cascade in electrostatic turbulence.

The dynamics perpendicular to the magnetic field are first investigated using both classical Eulerian analysis and a Lagrangian approach, while varying the ambient plasma conditions. It is found that the radial magnetic gradient and the mean plasma profiles of density and temperature play a crucial role in determining the transport properties. Moreover, by following fluid tracers, diffusive transients in the radial transport are observed at length scales larger than the typical blob size.
Finally, in order to better characterize the cascade process through refined laws, we follow the Yaglom-Monin approach to derive a new third-order turbulence law in increment form for the electrostatic Braginskii model. The validity of the novel Yaglom–Braginskii law is confirmed through high-resolution direct fluid simulations. Specifically, the analysis reveals that the plasma dynamics obey the new cross-scale balance, showing a clear inertial range of turbulence. The new third-order law can accurately measure the cascade rate of density fluctuations at the tokamak edge.

Our results might open a new pathway toward a better understanding of the nonlinear processes in tokamaks, where turbulence plays a major role in plasma confinement.

Speaker: Luisa Scarivaglione (Università della Calabria)

14:44 Helicon wave propagation in BiGyM

One of the main challenges in magnetically confined fusion research is the development of plasma-facing materials able to withstand the harsh environment of long-term plasma exposure. Linear plasma devices are widely used to address this issue. GyM [1] is one such device, capable of generating steady-state plasmas with electron temperatures up to 15 eV, densities in the range of 10$^{15}$–10$^{17}$ m$^{-3}$, and ion fluxes up to 10$^{21}$ m$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. GyM is currently being upgraded to BiGyM within the framework of the NEFERTARI project, funded by NextGenerationEU. The upgrade introduces a pair of helicon wave-generating birdcage radiofrequency (RF) antennas [2] to extend the operational range toward divertor-relevant plasmas with densities up to 10$^{19}$m$^{-3}$ and ion fluxes of 10$^{23}$ m$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$.
A full 3D finite element model was produced using COMSOL [3], in support of the design of BiGyM. The model reproduces the electromagnetic behaviour of the device and allows to study the propagation of the helicon waves generated by the antennas in a hydrogen plasma. This contribution focuses on presenting the model, its sensitivity to key physical parameters and the effect of different antenna phasing on the helicon wave patterns. The model was also employed to investigate the RF power density distributions in a set of different vessel geometries, each with a specific magnetic field profile, reaching plateau values of 18 mT. The results of this analysis allowed to identify the configuration that maximizes the power deposition at the sample position, reaching a maximum power density of about 10$^{5}$ W/m$^{3}$ at the sample, up to two orders of magnitude higher than in the least favorable configurations.
The modeling activity supported the validation of the optimal design for BiGyM and offers a valuable tool for assessing antennas performances and serves as a reference on plasma operating conditions.

Acknowledgements
This work has been carried out within the framework of Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 3.1 – Area ESFRI Energy – Call for tender No. 3264 of 28-12-2021 of Italian University and Research Ministry (MUR), Project ID IR0000007, MUR Concession Decree No. 243 del 04/08/2022, CUP B53C22003070006, "NEFERTARI – New Equipment for Fusion Experimental Research and Technological Advancements with Rfx Infrastructure").

References
[1] A. Uccello et al. (2023), Front. Phys., 11:1108175
[2] Ph. Guittienne et al. (2024), DOI: 10.1088/978-0-7503-5296-3.
[3] COMSOL Inc Multiphysics software from COMSOL – http://comsol.com

Speaker: Dr Jimmy Scionti (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi)

Abstract CIP2026.pdf

14:45 Generation of alpha particles by p+11B fusion driven by high-repetition-rate PW-power lasers

The p+11B→ 3α + 8.7 MeV fusion reaction can be triggered by the interaction of high-power laser pulses with matter. Not only it represents a potential alternative to tritium-based fuels for fusion energy production [1,2], but it is attracting also for many applications such as astrophenter code hereysics [3] and alpha-particle generation for medical treatments [4]. One possible scheme for laser-driven p+11B reactions is to direct a beam of laser-accelerated protons onto a boron sample (the so-called “pitcher-catcher” scheme). This technique was successfully implemented with energetic lasers yielding hundreds to thousands of joules per shot. This is possible on a few large installations and for a limited number of shots. An alternative approach is to exploit high-repetition rate laser-systems at PW-power scale [8], allowing to explore the laser-driven fusion process with hundreds (up to thousands) of laser shots (at more moderate energy), leading to an improved optimization of the diagnostic techniques and an enhanced statistics of the obtained results. Moreover, this approach potentially paves the way to applications where a constant stream of alpha particles is needed. In this work we describe the experiments recently performed on PW-power-scale laser facilities, capable of delivering laser pulses at high-repetition-rate, namely the L3 ELIMAIA laser system at ELI-Beamlines and the VEGA III laser system at CLPU. We aim at providing a detailed insight of the effectiveness of the laser-driven p+11B fusion for alpha particle production. We will discuss the challenges of implementing this experimental scheme, highlight its critical aspects, in terms of detection of fusion products and assessment of its performance as laser-driven alpha particle source[5,6]. We will also show applicative results that indicate that this scheme is potentially viable for the production of radioisotopes for medical purpose [7,8].

References
[1] H. Hora et al, High Power Laser Sci. Engin. 4, e35 (2016)
[2] V.P. Krainov, Laser Phys. Lett. 2, No. 2, 89–93 (2005)
[3] A. Bonasera et al., Proc. of the 4th Int. Conf. on Fission and Prop. of Neutron Rich Nuclei, 11–17 Nov 2007, Sanibel Island, USA
[4] G.A.P. Cirrone et al, Scientific Reports 8, 1141 (2018)
[5] M. Sciscio et al., Matter and Radiation at Extremes 10, 037402 (2025)
[6] M. Huault et al., Physics of Plasmas 32, 013102 (2025)
[7] M. R. D. Rodrigues et al., Matter and radiation at Extremes 9, 037203 (2025)
[8] K. Batani et al., High Power Laser Science and Engineering 13, e11 (2025)

Acknowledgment
This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Speaker: Massimiliano Sciscio

abstract_CIP_sciscio.pdf

14:46 Finite-Temperature Effects and Warm-Fluid Modeling in Plasma Wakefield Acceleration

Plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA) represents one of the most promising routes toward compact high-gradient accelerators. While its modeling has long relied on the cold-plasma approximation, several physical and technological developments now call for the inclusion of finite temperature effects. Thermal pressure becomes relevant near the wavebreaking threshold, where it regularizes singular cold-fluid solutions, moreover, in high repetition-rate facilities, cumulative energy deposition and beam-induced heating can modify the nonlinear wake dynamics and the structure of the accelerating cavity.
In this talk, we investigate the physics of relativistic warm plasmas by deriving and comparing different warm fluid models obtained from the Vlasov–Maxwell system through distinct closure assumptions. These warm-fluid descriptions retain the essential kinetic information of finite temperature plasmas while remaining free from statistical noise. By means of fully nonlinear simulations, benchmarked against particle-in-cell (PIC) results, we analyze how fluid closures affect the description of thermal pressures and pressure anisotropies in the PWFA regimes, and analyze the effect of temperature on the blowout cavity, altering both its longitudinal and transverse dimensions as well as the associated electromagnetic fields. Moreover, we present an extension of the cold-fluid Lu model [1] for the geometric description of the blowout cavity that takes into account thermal effects.
This systematic study delineates the domain of validity of warm-fluid approaches and clarifies when kinetic effects must be explicitly resolved—offering a pathway toward large scale, noise-free modeling of next-generation plasma-based accelerators.

Speaker: Daniele Simeoni (Universita' di Roma Tor Vergata)

abstract.pdf

14:47 Modelling helium plasma–wall interaction: tungsten erosion and impurity transport in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak

Understanding plasma–wall interaction is a key step on the path towards the exploitation of nuclear fusion energy [1]. The erosion of plasma-facing components (PFCs) can shorten their lifetime, while the eroded material — typically tungsten (W), owing to its favourable plasma-interaction properties — may contaminate the confined plasma, degrading the performance through fuel dilution and increased radiative losses. Part of this material can also re-deposit on the wall, promoting co-deposition of fuel species, including radioactive tritium. In fusion plasmas, these processes may be further amplified by heavier and multiply ionized impurities, such as helium (He) produced by D–T reactions, which can enhance sputtering.
Since a tokamak, the most common reactor design, is an intrinsically complex system, experiments alone often do not allow to disentangle the contribution of the different mechanisms involved. Numerical modelling therefore provides an essential complement, improving the interpretation of measurements and enabling extrapolations to future devices.
This work focuses on the analysis of a He-plasma campaign on the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) tokamak [2] using an integrated approach that couples SOLPS-ITER, a 2D multi-fluid edge plasma code [3], and ERO2.0, a 3D Monte Carlo code for erosion and impurity transport [4]. Two reference discharges are considered, representative of low and high confinement regimes (L- and H-mode). SOLPS-ITER is used to reconstruct edge plasma conditions and the relative fractions of the two possible He charge states, supplying the background plasma to ERO2.0, which in turn simulates tungsten erosion from the outer divertor target and subsequent impurity transport.
Net erosion profiles are estimated along the outer divertor, showing that He²⁺ is the dominant sputtering contributor and that the steady state phase in H-mode exhibits peak erosion several times higher than L-mode. A parametric scan on plasma temperatures and on the presence of additional impurities — using oxygen (O) as a proxy — indicates that uncertainty on these factors can noticeably reshape the erosion profile. Comparison with available divertor erosion measurements [5] confirms the need to include foreign impurities in the description for L-mode, and the predominance of erosion driven by transient edge localized modes (ELMs) in H-mode.

[1] Roth J. et al, J. Nucl. Mater. (2009) 390–391 1–9
[2] Hakola A. et al, Nuclear Fusion 64.9 (2024) 096022
[3] Bonnin X. et al, Plasma Fusion Res. 11 (2016) 1403102
[4] Romazanov J. et al, Phys. Scr. T170 (2017) 014018
[5] M. Rasiński et al. NME 37 (2023) 101539

Acknowledgements: Part of this work is funded by Eni S.p.A, in the framework of the contract N. 4400010490. This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium (WP-PWIE), partially funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No 101052200—EUROfusion)

Speaker: Carlo Tuccari (Politecnico di Milano)

14:49 Single-shot spectrometer with pointing angle correction for laser-driven electron beams featuring pointing instability and transverse inhomogeneity

Electron beams produced via Laser Wakefield Acceleration are notoriously known for their pointing instability, which makes the retrieval of the energy spectrum via magnetic spectrometers prone to energy miscalculations. Here, we demonstrate an improved scheme of a previously published spectrometer employing two scintillating screens and a magnetic dipole in between. The first screen provides the pointing angle and is placed upstream of the dipole, while the second one is installed behind the dipole for energy measurements. A collimator is installed in front of the dipole allowing only a portion of the beam to be detected, resulting in an improved energy resolution. For the electrons entering the collimator, a numerical procedure is laid out to retrieve the exact entrance angle of each transverse beamlet, which in turn allows a weighted sum procedure to be carried out to retrieve the final spectrum. We find that the first scintillator screen used in our setup contributes significantly at scattering the impinging electrons. We thus performed Monte Carlo simulations to account for this effect, finally correcting the observed spectrum to retrieve the actual one at the position of the vacuum chamber exit.

Speaker: Simon Vlachos (CNR-INO, University of Pisa)

Single-shot_spectrometer_.pptx

14:50 Analysis of the X-point Radiation in seeded plasmas in JET through tomography reconstruction

Mitigating the heat load to the divertor is a key challenge for future fusion reactors. Current material limits constrain the allowable heat flux to below 10 MW/m², requiring a significant fraction of the power exhausted from the core plasma to be radiated to maintain acceptable conditions at the divertor. In next-step devices, such as ITER and DEMO, sustained operation without damage demands that 60–75% of the total loss power in ITER (approximately 150 MW) and up to 95% in DEMO be radiated away. This can be achieved through impurity seeding, which promotes divertor detachment by forming a radiating region near the X-point that dissipates most of the exhaust energy. However, excessive impurity injection can cause core contamination and trigger disruptions. Understanding the stability and intensity of the radiation front is therefore essential for protecting the plasma and the machine. In this work, we propose a method to estimate both the position and intensity of the radiator, along with their uncertainties, using a maximum likelihood tomographic reconstruction technique. This approach enables the determination of the local radiated power and energy distribution around the X-point, supporting the analysis of radiator motion and MARFE formation. Furthermore, a first statistical study of impurity-seeded JET discharges is presented, identifying preliminary stability regions and potential local power-balance indicators for real-time control of the radiative regimes.

Speaker: Ivan Wyss (University of Rome 'Tor Vergata')

Abstract CIP_IW.docx

15:40 → 17:00 Sessione pomeridiana 4 febbraio 2026

15:40 Laser-Driven Electron and Ion Acceleration: Established Results and Progress

Laser-driven particle accelerators are emerging as a promising approach offering extremely high-gradient accelerating fields resulting in compact sources of high-energy electrons and ions characterized by ultra-short bunches duration, high peak current and high brightness[1,2]. Electrons are accelerated exploiting plasma wakefield acceleration that allowed to achieve multi-GeV beams chracterized by femtosecond durations and low emittance. Such beams are promising candidates for applications such as compact free-electron lasers [3], ultrafast imaging and novel radiation therapies [4]. Similarly, laser-driven ion acceleration, through mechanisms like target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA), radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) and hybrid approaches, produces energetic beams suitable for uses ranging from cultural heritage [5] to medicine [6] and high-energy-density physics.
In this talk an overview of the fundamental mechanisms behind electron and ion acceleration will be provided. Recent experimental achievements will then be discussed together with a perspective on the most promising applications.
References:
[1] E. Esarey, C. B. Schroeder and W. P. Leemans, Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 1229 (2009).
[2] H. Daido, M. Nishiuchi and A. S. Pirozhkov, Rep. Prog. Phys. 75, 056401 (2012).
[3] M. Galletti et al., Nature Photonics, 18 780-791 (2024).
[4] L. Labate et al., Sci. Rep. 10 17307 (2020)
[5] M. Salvadori et al. Phys. Rev. Applied, 21, 064020 (2024)
[6] F. Kroll et al., Nature Physics 18, 316-322 (2022)

Speaker: martina salvadori (CNR)

Abstract_Salvadori.pdf

16:10 Exploring the solar wind: a journey through in-situ observations

Over almost the past six decades, a fleet of space missions, strategically placed throughout the heliosphere at critical vantage points, have been devoted to the exploration of the interplanetary space, greatly advancing our knowledge of how the Sun influences the whole solar system, through the solar wind, a continuous flow of charged particles emitted by the outer layer of the solar atmosphere. The solar wind is the classical paradigm of a weakly collisional plasma for studying poorly understood fundamental phenomena that also occur in a variety of other astrophysical plasmas. Hence, the solar wind represents the best natural and accessible laboratory by interplanetary probes to directly study weakly collisional plasma phenomena. These include kinetic and fluid aspects of plasmas, such as plasma heating and acceleration, collisionless shock formation, particle acceleration and transport, magnetic reconnection, turbulence and waves.
Despite the low collisionality, the solar wind could present non-Maxwellian kinetic features in ion velocity distribution functions (VDFs), i.e. temperature anisotropies and beams, that carry important information about the kinetic processes that could determine the energy transfer between fluid and kinetic scales. These features have not yet been fully understood.
Moreover, during its journey through space, the solar wind interacts continuously with planets and other celestial bodies. In particular, it constitutes a coupled system with the Earth magnetosphere, playing a relevant role in the geomagnetic activity. Understanding the conditions in the solar system shaped by the Sun’s activity – known as Space Weather - is thus crucial, as they can affect satellite operations, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth.
This talk will try to give an overview on the solar wind characteristics observed at different heliocentric distances. In this context, a particular reference will be given to the Italian contribution to missions in operation (e.g. Solar Orbiter), highlighting new advances and issues that are still open.

Speaker: Raffaella D'Amicis (INAF - Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali)

RDAmicis_CIP_SB.pdf

16:40 On the possible occurrence of Bolgiano scaling in equatorial plasma bubbles/depletions

Ionospheric equatorial plasma bubbles/depletions are plasma density irregularities, which tend to develop under specific conditions during post-sunset hours and continue to evolve non-linearly into the post-midnight period. The Rayleigh–Taylor (Kruskal-Shafranov) instability mechanism is believed to be responsible for the formation of these depletions. An intriguing feature of equatorial plasma bubbles is the fact that their electron density energy spectra exhibit a power-law scaling behavior which has been interpreted as evidence of convective turbulence. In fact, if a gravitationally driven Rayleigh–Taylor instability can cause large-scale equatorial plasma bubbles, the E × B gradient drift instability can cause the unstable steep density gradients that form on the sides of equatorial plasma bubbles, resulting in irregularities with size ranging from hundreds of meters to a few kilometers. Here, using data from the Limadou CSES-01 mission, we investigate the character of the turbulent plasma motion inside the plasma bubbles/depletions using high-resolution electric field measurements from the EFD experiment. The results suggest that inside these plasma structures there is evidence for the occurrence of Bolgiano scaling, which would be one of the first evidences for the existence of Bolgiano regime in quasi-2d real convective systems.

Speaker: Giuseppe Consolini (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica)

Consolini_etal.pdf

17:00 → 18:30 Tavolo progettuale tematico Astro

Astrophysical Plasmas: Collaborative Efforts and Key Initiative
Obiettivo: Panoramica sulle missioni spaziali presenti e future e sui grandi progetti nazionali, con
particolare attenzione alle possibilità di attivare collaborazioni e accedere a opportunità di
finanziamento in diversi contesti nazionali e internazionali.
Metodo: 5/6 panelists che avranno 10 minuti di tempo di esposizione.
30/40 minuti di contributi liberi, domande e dibattito
Panelists:
Francesco Berrilli (Sun cubE onE)
Martina Cardillo (LHAASO and Cherenkov detectors)
Silvano Fineschi (Space it Up!, Proba-3, Solar Orbiter)
Maria Federica Marcucci (HENON/Plasma Observatory)
Fabio Reale (MUSE)
Francesco Valentini (Plasma Observatory)
Moderatore: Marco Stangalini (ASI)

2026_02_04 - Cardillo_Chrenkov_CIP.pptx

Berrilli_SEE_CPI1_CubeSat_BER.pptx

CIP_Valentini_2026.pdf

FReale_cip26.pptx

Marcucci_Plasma Observatory_ HENON_last.pptx

17:00 → 18:30 Tavolo progettuale tematico LTP

Paolo Ambrico, CNR-Istituto per la Scienza e la Tecnologia dei Plasmi, Bari
- Andrea Cristofolini, Università di Bologna, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Energia Elettrica e dell'Informazione "Guglielmo Marconi”
- Emilio Martines, Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca, Dipartimento di Fisica “Giuseppe Occhialini”
- Luca Matteo Martini, Università di Trento, Dipartimento di Fisica
- Francesco Marconcini, Aerospazio Tecnologie Srl, Siena

Questo tavolo tematico riunirà la comunità italiana attiva nel campo della scienza e della tecnologia dei plasmi di bassa temperatura (LTP).
La sessione si aprirà mostrando i risultati di un questionario sul sistema scientifico-tecnologico italiano nel settore LTP (15 min).
Una tavola rotonda (30 min) vedrà la partecipazione di esperti invitati in rappresentanza di settori applicativi chiave, come la propulsione spaziale, i plasmi biologici e ambientali ed i plasmi per i materiali avanzati.
La sessione si concluderà con una discussione aperta (30 min) volta a promuovere il dialogo e la collaborazione tra ricercatori e stakeholder industriali.

Moderatori: Francesco Taccogna, Eugenio Ferrato

CIP_LTP_Table.pdf

Thursday 5 February

09:00 → 10:20 Sessione della mattina 5 febbraio, 1/2

09:00 The EuPRAXIA project:goals and user facility

EuPRAXIA is the first European project devoted to create a particle accelerator research infrastructure based on plasma acceleration and laser and linac technology.
The project aims at developing plasma-based particle accelerator facilities, exploiting the intrinsic high gradient of up to 100 GV/m to improve the sustainability of particle accelerators. Furthermore, EuPRAXIA foresees to employ plasma-based acceleration to enable frontier science in new regions and parametric regimes, including future linear colliders and short wavelength FELs. The EuPRAXIA infrastructure is distributed all over Europe and includes two main sites for the construction of two FEL user facilities based on beam-driven and laser-driven plasma accelerators. The first site consists in the EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB project, a new multi-disciplinary user-facility currently under development at Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (LNF-INFN). The EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB accelerating facility will provide GeV-range electron beams, accelerated by means of an X-band normal conducting linac and a plasma module for Plasma WakeField Acceleration (PWFA). Downstream, the accelerated beams will drive two FEL beamlines, respectively named ARIA and AQUA, for experiments in the VUV and in the XUV soft x-rays spectral region. Furthermore, an ancillary beamline based on a betatron radiation source in the x-ray region, driven by laser-plasma interaction, is under construction at LNF within the framework of the EuPRAXIA Advanced Photon Sources (EuAPS) project.

Speaker: Lucio Crincoli (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare)

CIP - The EuPRAXIA project goals and user facility.pptx

09:30 Plasma physics in negative ion sources and challenges for MeV neutral beam injectors for fusion

Neutral beam injectors are widely used to provide magnetically confined plasmas with additional heating, current drive and, in the case of medium size devices, torque. ITER will feature 2(3) heating neutral injectors (HNBs) delivering up to 16.7 MW of neutral H0/D0 with 870 keV/1 MeV energy. Neutralization of positive ion beams at 1 MeV is practically impossible so that the precursor of the neutral beam has to be a H-/D- beam to be neutralized in a gas cell before reaching the ITER plasma. Such negative ions are electrostatically accelerated from an RF plasma source in which an hydrogen plasma is sustained by an inductively coupled discharge at 1 MHz. The generation of negative ions requires to properly tailor the plasma features by electric and magnetic fields and the evaporation of caesium in the ion source. Demonstrating the required performance for such injectors is the final goal of the Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF), hosted at Consorzio RFX (Padova, Italy) where a prototype of the HNB, named MITICA, is due to start operation in 2027. This work presents the main challenges in the operation of the negative ion source as well as the activities and future perspectives at the NBTF.

This work has been carried out within the framework of the ITER-RFX Neutral Beam Testing Facility (NBTF) Agreement and has received funding from the ITER Organization. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the ITER Organization. This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, funded by the European Union via the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101052200 — EUROfusion). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Speaker: Antonio Pimazzoni (Consorzio RFX)

abstract_CIP2026_Pimazzoni.pdf

CIP2026_Pimazzoni_20260204.pdf

10:00 Fusion energy research with high power lasers in Europe: the HiPER+ programme

High‑power laser driven inertial fusion energy (IFE) is entering a pivotal phase in Europe, building upon the HiPER+ flagship initiative. Coordinated experimental access to existing national and international facilities supports laser development and the study of laser–plasma interactions and high‑energy‑density (HED) physics for direct‑drive implosions, providing a platform for advancing Inertial Confinement Fusion research. These initiatives mark a decisive step toward establishing a European framework for IFE, complementing magnetic confinement approaches and reinforcing Europe’s scientific role in the global fusion landscape. Ultimately, the goal of HiPER+ is to provide the foundation for a next‑generation European laser fusion facility capable of demonstrating ignition and high‑gain conditions, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in inertial fusion energy and its contribution to a sustainable, carbon‑free energy future.
In the presentation I will review the key physics challenges that remain for achieving efficient coupling of laser energy to the target, for mitigating hydrodynamic and parametric instabilities (e.g., Rayleigh‑Taylor, laser imprint, Brillouin and Raman scattering), and for optimising energy transport in warm dense matter. HiPER+ focuses on these issues through integrated design and simulations and experimental campaigns across major laser facilities such as ELI, PHELIX, LULI, PALS and smaller scale national laboratories for target and diagnostic development, as well as for training. I will discuss about parallel efforts tackling technologies—high‑efficiency diode‑pumped lasers, precision target fabrication and injection, radiation‑hard diagnostics, and materials for extreme environments. This coordinated effort bridges fundamental plasma physics and engineering design, establishing a clear pathway from laboratory‑scale ignition experiments to reactor‑relevant operation.
*Presented on behalf of the HiPER+ collaboration

Speaker: Petra Koester (CNR-INO, Italy)

Abstract_CIP_2026.pdf

10:20 → 10:40 Pausa caffè

10:40 → 11:30 Sessione della mattina 5 febbraio 2026, 2/2

10:40 Spettroscopia come finestra sul plasma: diagnosi e trasporto delle impurezze

La spettroscopia ottica rappresenta uno strumento fondamentale per lo studio dei plasmi da fusione, poiché consente di ottenere in modo non perturbativo informazioni cruciali sulle proprietà del plasma e sulla dinamica delle impurezze, determinanti per conoscere le perdite di energia
Il conseguimento simultaneo di un miglior confinamento energetico e di un basso confinamento delle impurità è un aspetto cruciale per la realizzazione di plasmi per la fusione nucleare, da cui il crescente impegno sperimentale, teorico e di modellizzazione in questo ambito in ogni configurazione magnetica (Tokamak, Stellarator, RFP).
L’analisi dell’emissione di continuo e di riga consente di riconoscere le specie presenti nel plasma, ricostruire la distribuzione spaziale e temporale delle specie presenti, determinarne i parametri di trasporto. Parametri locali come temperatura ionica e velocità di rotazione, densità e temperatura elettronica si possono determinare dal profilo spettrale di opportune righe di emissione o dal rapporto di riga delle specie intrinseche o iniettate nel plasma allo scopo diagnostico.
La diagnostica spettroscopica nei plasmi di RFX-mod in configurazione Reversed Field Pinch (RFP), ha evidenziato che negli scenari quasi elicoidali ad alta corrente (I>1MA) e confinamento migliorato le impurezze non penetrano il nucleo del plasma, evidenziando un profilo radiale della densità di impurezze che rimane cavo [1,2]. Si è anche potuta individuare la struttura macroscopica elicoidale del campo di velocità e confrontarla con le indicazioni fornite dalla modellizzazione MHD 3D nonlineare [3].
Questi aspetti rappresentano strumenti importanti per lo studio del trasporto di impurezze e per i meccanismi di limitazione delle turbolenze in generale, oltre ad esplorare prospettive di fusione della configurazione RFP.
La presentazione intende mostrare, attraverso esempi tratti da RFX-mod, come la spettroscopia sia una vera e propria finestra sul comportamento del plasma e un aiuto prezioso per controllarne le prestazioni.
Il nuovo impianto RFX-mod2, grazie a diagnostiche [4] e a un sistema di controllo in tempo reale potenziati con i fondi del progetto PNRR NEFERTARI (New Equipment for Fusion Experimental Research & Technological Advancements with Rfx Infrastructure), permetterà di ampliare le conoscenze e la comprensione della fisica del plasma, sia in configurazione tokamak a bassa corrente, sia in configurazione RFP.

Riferimenti:
[1] S Menmuir et al 2010 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 52 09500
[2] T.Barbui et al .2015 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 57 025006
[3] F.Bonomo et al Nucl. Fusion 51 (2011) 123007
[4] L. Carraro et al 2024 Nucl. Fusion 64 076032

Speaker: Lorella Carraro (Consorzio RFX)

CIP2026_LorellaCarraro.pdf

Lorella_Carraro_Abstract_CIP26.pdf

11:10 PROTO-SPHERA: a “bridge” between laboratory and astrophysical plasmas

The PROTO-SPHERA experiment is based upon a new magnetic confinement scheme, which aims at producing – in its Phase-2 – a Spherical Torus (with IST≤300 kA) around a Plasma Centerpost (a Screw Pinch with Ie=70 kA) fed by electrodes of annular shape. The torus current is sustained through Helicity Injection from the centerpost; phenomelogical evidences suggest the presence of a MHD dynamo field lasting for periods far greater than the resistive relaxation time.
In particular, 3D tomographic reconstructions of the visible light emitted by the plasma highlight the presence of a quasi-static closed magnetic domain, which is originated and sustained as a result of the onset of resistive MHD instabilities. These events are not axisymmetric neither in the topology nor in the spatial distribution; moreover, they correlate with saw teeth recorded on the axial/poloidal flux probes and corresponding to magnetic reconnections, in this context known as dynamo relaxation events.
PROTO-SPHERA experiment was inspired by jet-torus configurations which are common around compact objects in astrophysics (i.e. the Pulsar Wind Nebulae) and are described by force-free equilibria. It is worth noting that, unlike other self-organized laboratory plasmas like Spheromaks and RFPs, PROTO-SPHERA lacks a flux conserver and is therefore a better candidate for laboratory astrophysics activity.
Despite the lack of a flux conserver, PROTO-SPHERA displays ideal MHD stability; furthermore, a significant rotation of plasma in toroidal direction around the centerpost acts as a further stabilizing feature.
The dynamics of radial helicity transport in an open system is nonetheless not fully understood; in fact, in this operational phase (i.e. Ie≤10 kA), there is evidence – when the torus is formed and sustained – of an axial current flowing outside the torus itself, still to be fully investigated, that seems to allow for the correct helicity flow from the external region with open field lines to the nested flux surfaces of the torus also at low Ie level.
PROTO-SPHERA experiment is currently undergoing a major upgrade, with the aim of installing a more complete diagnostic set and of addressing the presence of spurious current loops. An improved diagnostics coverage will be required for kinetic measurements and for magnetic topology reconstruction during Phase-2 (with full currents); in this phase, energy confinement quality inside the torus will be addressed, in view of a possible application of this new configuration to magnetic fusion.
In fact, if the energy confinement shall be of good quality many problems that affect the standard Tokamak configuration could be solved. In particular this kind of magnetic configuration is intrinsically stationary (due to the Helicity Injection from the screw pinch to the torus), does not need any additional heating system and is disruption free.

Speaker: Paolo Micozzi (ENEA)

AbstractCIP_Micozzi.pdf

Talk_Micozzi_CIP2026.pptx

11:30 → 13:00 Tavolo Formazione (Coordinato da Alessandro Maffini, Politecnico di Milano)

Questo tavolo tematico è dedicato a formazione e didattica nell’ambito della scienza e tecnologia dei plasmi in Italia, con l’obiettivo di mettere a sistema esperienze, bisogni e buone pratiche tra Università, Enti di Ricerca e industria. La sessione si aprirà con un’introduzione sullo stato dell’arte e sugli obiettivi del Tavolo (~15 min). Seguirà una tavola rotonda con interventi brevi da parte di alcuni rappresentanti della nostra comunità (~30 min).
La parte finale sarà una discussione aperta con tutti i presenti orientata a definire priorità e azioni concrete per rafforzare la filiera formativa (~45 min).
Panelists:
Andrea Barbareschi Villa (RSE)
Fabrizio Consoli (ENEA)
Giancarlo Maero (UniMi)
Silvia Perri (UniCal)
Paola Platania (ISTP-CNR)
Emanuele Sartori (UniPD)
Moderatore:
Alessandro Maffini (PoliMi)

13:00 → 14:00 Pausa pranzo

14:00 → 15:40 Sessione poster P2 Space & Astrophysical Plasmas e Low Temperature and Dusty Plasmas e Pausa Caffè

P. 1 D. Belardinelli, Derivazione di una distribuzione Kappa generalizzata dalle proprietà di scala del vento solare
P. 2 S. Benella, Cross-scale coupling between local streamline structures, energy transfer and dissipation in space plasma turbulence
P. 3 F. Berrilli, From Photosphere to Corona: Supergranular Magnetic Networks and Coronal Hole Formation
P. 4 D. Borgogno, Jet Emission Shaped by MHD Instabilities
P. 5 M. Bugatti, Progress in the Development of a Penning Ionization Gauge Against Vacuum Degradation in Tokamak Cryostats
P. 6 E. Capelli, Modeling centrifugal instabilities in laboratory plasma
P. 7 G. Celebre, Phase-Space Dynamics of Electron Acoustic Turbulence in 2D-2V Inhomogeneous Plasmas
P. 8 F. Cichocki, Particle-in-cell modeling of the inductive discharge inside the drivers of negative ion sources
P. 9 O. De Pascale, Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: background and new applications
P. 10 D. Del Sarto, Modelling of low collision plasmas at the IJL - Nancy (France): kinetic phenomena and energy conversion processes
P. 11 P. Buratti, Magnetic reconnection studies in collisionless relativistic plasmas
P. 12 L. Del Zanna, Properties of relativistic MHD turbulence in synchrotron emitting astrophysical sources
P. 13 S. Fabiani, Unveiling particle acceleration in solar flares: The crucial role of X-ray polarimetry and future Italian space missions
P. 14 M. Cavenago, Status of energy recovery, cooler and ion source experiments
P. 15 G. Ficarra, Homogenous plasma turbulence measurements in strong gravitational fields
P. 16 E. Gaspari, Sull’evoluzione temporale delle specie cariche e non cariche durante l’accensione di un plasma RF-ICP di una miscela di azoto ossigeno e argon
P. 17 V. Giannetti, Generazione di plasma atmosferico nei sistemi di propulsione elettrica spaziale “air-breathing” per orbite molto basse.
P. 18 L. Giovannelli, From Photospheric Convection to Coronal Heating: A Large-Domain SOC-Inspired N-Body Simulation of Quiet-Sun Magnetic Reconnection
P. 19 G. Giri, Modelling the longest plasma jets in the Universe with magneto-hydrodynamic simulations
P. 20 M. Imbrogno, Kinetic Turbulence and Magnetic Reconnection in Relativistic Multispecies Plasmas
P. 21 S. Landi, Contribution of the non-gyrotopy pressure strain terms in the energy conversion a ion scales: Results from 3D hybrid simulations.
P. 22 M. Lauriola, Numerical investigation of the Microwave Electrothermal Thruster cavity and plasma at Politecnico di Milano
P. 23 E. M. Fortugno, Impact of Distinct Viscous and Resistive Dissipation on the MHD Energy Cascade
P. 24 L. M. Martini, Unveiling the role of the catalyst support in silver-enhanced plasma ammonia synthesis
P. 25 A. Mercuri, Particle Acceleration and Transport in Young Supernova Remnants
P. 26 A. Micciani, Design of an NH3 AF-MPDT for Bimodal Nuclear Propulsion
P. 27 P. Minelli, Particle-in-Cell model of nanosecond point-to-plane high-pressure discharge
P. 28 L. Neri, Particle-in-Cell Simulation of ECR Ion Sources
P. 29 G. Nigro, Stochastic Resonance in a Thermally Driven Low-Dimensional Geodynamo Model
P. 30 G. Nisticò, Evolution of the physical properties of interplanetary CME-driven shocks from multi-spacecraft observations
P. 31 N. Orsini, Magnetic Reconnection as a Means to Advanced High Specific Impulse Plasma Thrusters
P. 32 S. Pagliarella, X-ray polarimetry of young supernova remnants: diagnostics of magnetic amplification and plasma turbulence at collision-less shocks
P. 33 G. Panebianco, Short-Timescale Variability in the Relativistic Jet Plasma of Bright Blazar 3C 454.3 from Optical–Gamma Correlations
P. 34 E. Papini, Modeling the solar wind turbulent cascade over four full decades with Hall-MHD Box-in-Box simulations.
P. 35 S. Perri, The influence of magnetic turbulence in the energetic particle response at interplanetary shocks
P. 36 D. Perrone, Turbulence and kinetic effects in the solar wind: Solar Orbiter measurements and numerical Vlasov-Maxwell simulations
P. 37 G. Prete, The Interaction of a Supernova Remnant with background interstellar turbulence
P. 38 F. Pucci, Particle acceleration in high energy astrophysical plasmas: the interplay of multiple mechanisms.
P. 39 V. Quattrociocchi, Schur Decomposition of Magnetic and Velocity Gradient Tensors in Space Plasmas
P. 40 A. Tamburrini, Unified Superstatistical Modeling of Non-Thermal Velocity Distributions and Velocity-Space Cascades in Space Plasmas.
P. 41 D. Vavassori, Plasma modelling of non-reactive and reactive HiPIMS discharges for tungsten deposition
P. 42 G. Vereshchagin, Pair luminosity and cooling of newborn strange star
P. 43 G. Zimbardo, A simple derivation of fractional Fick’s law and the finding of uphill transport at collisionless shocks
P. 44 M. Zuin, Non-linear Langmuir wave study in a small-scale laboratory plasma, a model for solar wind

14:00 Derivazione di una distribuzione Kappa generalizzata dalle proprietà di scala del vento solare

Le dinamiche su scala cinetica nei plasmi spaziali debolmente collisionali mostrano una statistica autosimilare delle fluttuazioni del campo magnetico e l'esistenza di una funzione di densità di probabilità invariante (master curve). È possibile derivare analiticamente la master curve a partire da una dinamica à la Langevin, ottenendo una generalizzazione della distribuzione Kappa a due parametri: un parametro regola le code e l'altro controlla l'asimmetria.

Speaker: Dr Daniele Belardinelli (INAF)

2024BelBenStuCon.pdf

14:01 Cross-scale coupling between local streamline structures, energy transfer and dissipation in space plasma turbulence

This study leverages a fully compressible 3D Hall-MHD numerical simulation of space plasma turbulence to explore multiscale coupling between streamlines and magnetic field line topologies, turbulent cascade rate, and energy dissipation. Through gradient tensor geometric invariants, we investigate the interplay between large-scale fluid dynamics and small-scale dissipative phenomena. From an intuitive standpoint, the second geometric invariant represents the balance between rotation and strain rates, whereas the third geometric invariant is associated with the interplay between vortex stretching and strain self-amplification, so they contain important information about the local field line configuration. The different terms contributing to the energy transfer rate (namely, Reynolds-Maxwell stress tensor, MHD and Hall terms) are estimated through the subgrid-scale terms arising from the coarse-graining of the Hall-MHD equations. We show how the direct cascade locally develops in where plasma is characterized by strain-dominated streamline structures and unstable stretching vortices, whereas stable vortices tend to back-transfer the turbulent energy towards larger scales. The viscous and ohmic dissipation estimated on the finer grid scale of the simulation organizes streamline and magnetic field line structures in a clear pattern. The correlation is then investigated by coarse-graining the fields to get insight on the self-organization between inertial- and ion-scale structures and the dissipation field. We highlight important clues about energy dissipation by analyzing inertial- and ion-scale field line structures. Finally, we simulate virtual multi-spacecraft measurements through the simulation mimicking a two nested-tetrahedra constellation, and we implement multipoint gradient estimations with the aim of highlighting the importance of this science for the ESA Phase A Plasma Observatory mission.

Speaker: Simone Benella (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica)

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14:02 From Photosphere to Corona: Supergranular Magnetic Networks and Coronal Hole Formation

The photosphere-corona system is governed by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes spanning multiple scales. Photospheric plasma turbulent convection continuously reconfigures magnetic field topology, while coronal plasma dynamics respond to the underlying magnetic boundary conditions. This plasma-magnetic coupling produces coronal holes (CHs)—regions where coronal plasma flows freely along open magnetic field lines, forming high-speed solar wind streams that drive geomagnetic activity.
Coronal holes (CHs), the sources of high-speed solar wind, are characterized by photospheric magnetic flux imbalance, yet the spatial organization scale of this imbalance remains unclear. We combine statistical analysis of 60 CHs observed by SDO/HMI with numerical simulations to identify where magnetic imbalance emerges.
Applying sign-singularity analysis to line-of-sight magnetograms, we find CH regions exhibit lower cancellation exponents than quiet Sun regions, indicating reduced magnetic field oscillations. Significantly, 83% of CHs show cancellation function plateaus at 36 ± 12 Mm—the supergranular scale—indicating the field becomes magnetically smooth (non-oscillating) beyond this scale.
We validated these results through 1000 simulations using Voronoi tessellation to model supergranular networks with controlled magnetic imbalance. Synthetic magnetograms with unipolar magnetic elements along supergranular boundaries successfully reproduce observed CH cancellation functions, with plateaus at 27 ± 2 Mm matching the simulated supergranular network spacing.
Our results demonstrate that CHs form through magnetic field organization at supergranular scales, with unipolar elements concentrated along supergranular cell boundaries. This confirms that coronal funnel footpoints originate from the supergranular magnetic network, providing crucial insight into fast solar wind generation and space weather dynamics.

Speaker: Francesco Berrilli (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Physics)

14:03 Jet Emission Shaped by MHD Instabilities

Astrophysical jets from supermassive black holes form large-scale radio sources extending hundreds of kiloparsecs, while micro-quasar jets powered by stellar-mass black holes remain confined to sub-parsec scales within the interstellar medium. Despite this disparity, both systems share key magneto-hydrodynamical properties: they are fast, low-density outflows propagating through a denser ambient medium and exhibit similar launching mechanisms, collimation behaviour and fluid/magnetic instabilities. These analogies motivate a unified approach to jet physics across mass and spatial scales, yet the connection between large- and small-scale jets—and the origin of their intense radiation—remains insufficiently explored.
My work aims to investigate jet dynamics and their role in particle acceleration through high-resolution relativistic MHD simulations with the PLUTO code. I will demonstrate the development of large-scale instabilities, including Kelvin–Helmholtz, pressure driven and kink modes. Since particle energization depends critically on magnetic-field topology, magnetization and plasma density, selected MHD configurations will be used as inputs for PIC simulations to model the resulting radiation emission and to probe the underlying kinetic processes.

Speaker: Dario Borgogno (IAPS - INAF)

14:04 Progress in the Development of a Penning Ionization Gauge Against Vacuum Degradation in Tokamak Cryostats

A robust and reliable vacuum degradation detection system is essential to identify leaks in the cryostat of superconducting tokamaks [1]. This Vacuum Monitoring System (VMS) must be able to function in the harsh environment encountered near superconducting magnets, while also measuring vacuum pressure as low as 2E-8 mbar, with a response time in the order of few seconds [2]. Commercial vacuum gauges struggle to operate in such harsh condition due to the significant effect of the magnetic field on the pressure measurement. However, Cold Cathode Gauges (CCG) are known to be able to operate in ultra-high vacuum and under intense external magnetic fields as the field itself sustains the sensor discharge [3]. In this contribution, the design and benchmark of a custom Penning CCG has been carried out. Sensor’s assembly and acquisition systems have been tailored for its application in the the JT-60SA cryostat [2]. The sensor response, delay ignition time and gauge characteristic under intense magnetic field and at cryogenic temperatures have been carried out at ENEA Frascati laboratories using fields up to 4 T at liquid Nitrogen temperatures, and at LNCMI Grenoble using fields up to 2 T at liquid Helium temperatures.
The experimental work on the CCG discharge identified critical conditions for sensor operation and the combined and isolated effect of temperature and field on the plasma current as well as the effect of charge-promotion strategies to reduce ignition delay times.

[1] K. Hamada et al. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2023
[2] K. Fukui et al. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2025
[3] H. C. Hseuh et al Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology, 1994

Speaker: Marco Bugatti (Politecnico di Milano)

AbstractCIP.pdf

14:05 Modeling centrifugal instabilities in laboratory plasma

This work provides a comprehensive characterization of centrifugal instabilities in fluid models of partially magnetized plasmas. The study begins with an analysis of the wave spectrum in a homogeneous, rotating fluid and is subsequently extended to non-uniform equilibria, with particular attention to the role of the fluid closure in governing the onset of instabilities. The mechanisms driving centrifugal instabilities are investigated across different models, highlighting the necessity for a unified theoretical approach. A complete pressure-tensor evolution model ([1]) is developed in cylindrical coordinates to predict the linear dispersion relation of a rotating, partially magnetized electrostatic plasma without relying on low-frequency Finite-Larmor-Radius (FLR) corrections to the gyrotropic pressure.([2],[3]). Previous models could reproduce the stability of high-azimuthal-number (high-m) modes only by including FLR corrections, whose low-frequency assumption is not valid for linear plasma devices such as MISTRAL([4], [5]), where typical instability frequencies are comparable to the ion cyclotron frequency. The present model enables the identification and characterization of both global destabilization processes and stabilization mechanisms at high azimuthal (m) and radial (n) mode numbers, providing a rigorous linear theoretical foundation. Although the study is strictly linear and therefore distant from the fully nonlinear experimental regime, it establishes a crucial theoretical basis for understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying centrifugal instabilities. In particular, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the appearance of high-frequency, rotating, density spokes in linear plasma devices such as VKP [6] and MISTRAL [4], and for future extensions to nonlinear regimes.

[1] D. Del Sarto, F. Pegoraro, and A. Tenerani, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 59 (2017).
[2] F. F. Chen, The Physics of Fluids 9, 965 (1966).
[3] M. N. Rosenbluth, N. A. Krall, and N. Rostoker, Nuclear Fusion, Suppl. (1961).
[4] C. Rebont, N. Claire, T. Pierre, and F. Doveil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 225006 (2011).
[5] N. Claire, A. Escarguel, C. Rebont, and F. Doveil, Physics of Plasmas 25, 061203 (2018).
[6] S. P. H. Vincent, Azimuthal waves modification by current injection in a magnetized plasma column., Theses, Universit´e Lyon 1 (2021).

Speaker: Emanuele Capelli

Abstract_CIP-3.pdf

14:06 Phase-Space Dynamics of Electron Acoustic Turbulence in 2D-2V Inhomogeneous Plasmas

A novel 2D-2V time-splitting Vlasov-Poisson solver has been used to deduce the kinetic behavior of the propagation of high-frequency electrostatic plasma waves in an inhomogeneous electron background. More specifically, we have simulated, in a scenario of constant proton density, the effect of density holes, where a lack of electrons leads to an unbalanced charge. These regions have been recreated by building an equilibrium distribution function for the electrons with a dependence on single-particle energy only. By imposing the cylindrical symmetry of the corresponding density in a periodic spatial domain, we obtain a class of solutions of the Poisson equation with the number of particles vanishing at the center. Choosing a hole at scales around the Debye length, the system is then perturbed by adding the contribution of x-propagating electron acoustic waves (EAWs) in a strong Debye and sub-Debye turbulent regime, where the fluctuation of the second Casimir invariant (enstrophy) has already cascaded towards small scales of the x-vx phase space. The periodic conditions of the system permit the description of the interaction of this turbulent scenario with a lattice of density holes: we observe how the repeated change of phase velocity of EAWs due to density inhomogeneity leads to strong folding and stirring of the distribution function, resulting in the formation of an enstrophy cascade even in the y-vy space. The resulting regime is deeply analyzed through the Fourier analysis of density profiles and the application of the Hermite transform on the velocity distribution at each point in space, to explore the relationship between plasma heating and the formation of small velocity gradients.

Speaker: Gabriele Celebre (Università della Calabria)

14:07 Particle-in-cell modeling of the inductive discharge inside the drivers of negative ion sources

Negative ion sources for neutral beam injectors of modern and future tokamak machines, rely on a certain number of cylindrical quartz tubes (drivers) surrounded by an RF coil, in order to create a quasineutral plasma through an inductive discharge. The number of drivers depends on the size of the negative ion source, with SPIDER, the baseline source for the ITER neutral beam injector, featuring a total of 8 drivers, while other smaller experimental machines such as ELISE [1] and BUG [1,2] featuring respectively 4 and 1 drivers. The plasma created inside the drivers then expands into a larger expansion chamber ending with an extraction grid system, which ideally extracts as many negative ions as possible with a spatially uniform profile. Negative ions are mostly created because of neutral atoms interaction with the plasma grid, made of Molibdenum and covered by a layer of cesium to enhance negative ion production. To prevent the system from extracting electrons and losing efficiency, these are filtered by a magnetic field that is orthogonal to the drivers symmetry axis.

The overall simulation of the driver and of the expansion region has been attempted with fluid codes, like in [1,2]. However, these approaches have the limitation of assuming simplified coefficients for both collisional and collisionless electron transport, thus neglecting kinetic effects and instabilities, which might be relevant in the low pressure non-equilibrium plasmas typical of negative ion sources (fractions of a pascal). In this respect, the particle-in-cell (PIC) technique offers the opportunity of assessing such effects self-consistently, at the cost of a higher computational time. However, most PIC attempts to date have considered only electrostatic approaches assuming a non-consistent power deposition map inside the drivers, and have focused mainly on the plasma expansion chamber and on the effects of the magnetic filter ([3,4,5]). This work aims to overcome this inconsistency in the power deposition map, by modeling the driver through a quasi-static particle-in-cell model that accounts for Maxwell’s equations for the induced fields. Particle collisions are accounted for by using Monte Carlo and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo methods, including charged particles collisions both against themselves (Coulomb collisions) and against the dominant neutral background. The chosen code is PICCOLO ([5,6]), a massively parallelized Open MPI code that has been tested over thousands of CPU cores, while the activities have been carried out as part of the Eurofusion HPC project ASTONISH (“Advanced STudy On Negative Ion Source Heating”). Preliminary results for the obtained electron density and temperature in the driver of the BUG machine are shown in Fig.1 (see attachment).

In this work, we shall present simulation results for different operating conditions of the BUG driver (gas pressure, RF coil current and frequency) thus identifying relevant trends with a direct comparison against any available experimental data, and focusing on the plasma heating physics (consistent plasma heating maps, role of non-equilibrium distribution functions, etc...).

REFERENCES
1. D. Yordanov, D. Wunderlich, C. Wimmer, U. Fantz, D. Zielke, "Influence of large biased surfaces on the plasma parameters in the extraction region of a negative hydrogen ion source", Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 34: 085011, 2025
2. D. Zielke, S. Briefi, S. Lishev, U. Fantz, "Modeling inductive radio frequency coupling in powerful negative hydrogen ion sources: validating a self-consistent fluid model", Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 31: 035019, 2022
3. G. Fubiani, J.P. Boeuf, "Three-dimensional modeling of a negative ion source with a magnetic filter: impact of biasing the plasma electrode on the plasma asymmetry", Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 24: 055001, 2015
4. F. Taccogna, P. Minelli, "PIC modeling of negative ion sources for fusion", New Journal of Physics 19(1): 015012, 2017
5. F. Cichocki, V. Sciortino, P. Minelli, F. Taccogna, "PIC modeling challenges in diverse low temperature plasma scenarios", ESCAMPIG XXVI, Brno, Czech Republic, July 9–13, 2024
6. F. Taccogna, P. Minelli, F. Cichocki, "PICCOLO: a Particle-in-Cell code suite for low-temperature plasmas", XXXVI International Conference on Phenomena in Ionized Gases (ICPIG), Aix-en-Provence, France, July 20-25, 2025

Speaker: Filippo Cichocki (ENEA)

abstract_Cichocki_CIP26.pdf

figure 1.png

14:08 LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY: BACKGROUND AND NEW APPLICATIONS

Knowing the chemical composition of samples is essential to science and beyond, so much so that chemical analysis facilities are widespread within government agencies, universities, and industry. One of the enduring needs within the scientific community has been a capability for in situ chemical analysis for routine use outside the traditional analytical laboratory. Such instrumentation must be readily portable and lightweight to facilitate use by an individual as well as robust and ruggedized for use in the remote and harsh environments in which materials often need to be analyzed. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is one of the few current technologies that meets this need, having a capability to detect and measure every element in the periodic table above its intrinsic material specific Limit of Detection (LOD). Although initially developed over 50 years ago (Brech and Cross, 1962), the common application of LIBS within the sciences began about two decades ago. This has been facilitated first through the development of mobile and stand-off LIBS systems for use outside of the conventional laboratory setting for in situ analysis in the ambient environment by both close-in or stand-off approaches and then strongly accelerated over the last decade by the development of commercial handheld (h)LIBS analyzers.
Atomic emission spectroscopy is a technique for chemical analysis that measures the intensity of light emitted from a flame, spark, arc or plasma to determine the presence or mass fraction of an element in a sample. LIBS is a specific form of atomic emission spectroscopy that offers rapid, multi-element analysis in real-time with minimal sample preparation. In LIBS, a rapidly-pulsed low energy laser beam is tightly focused on a sample to create a plasma in which constituent elements can be detected and identified through spectral analysis of emitted light. LIBS can detect most elements, particularly light elements, in the periodic table at high sensitivity with a single laser shot. Quantitative analysis by LIBS is readily achieved using calibration curves generated from matrix-matched standards or through calibration-free methodologies and, when used in conjunction with chemometric techniques and pre-established databases, LIBS spectral analysis is capable of identifying and discriminating unknown materials. LIBS can also be used for rapid microscale compositional imaging at high spatial resolution.
As every element in the periodic table has one or more optical emission lines in the broadband spectral regions between 190 to 900 nm, LIBS is ideally suited for the multi-element analysis of all types of media, because offers with a single laser pulse simultaneous detection of all chemical elements in solids, liquids and gases with little to no sample preparation. It is notable and important that LIBS is particularly sensitive to the elements of low atomic number – H, Li, Be, B and C, that cannot be readily determined by many other analytical methods and to first-row transition elements of the periodic table. Most elements of the periodic table have been observed in LIBS spectra of different media, and although LIBS LODs have been steadily improving over the past two decades concomitant with technological progress in LIBS instrumentation, it is important to understand that they are highly dependent on sample matrix and the operational capabilities of the LIBS system used for an analysis.
In this work, a practical example of application of hLIBS used to identify the qualitative and quantitative composition and the compositional micro-maps of a suite of iron meteorite samples is reported.

Brech, F. and Cross L. (1962) Optical micro-emission stimulated by a ruby MASER. Applied Spectroscopy, 16: 59-64.

Speaker: Dr Olga De pascale (CNR, Istituto per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Plasmi (ISTP) - sede di Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy)

abstract CIP_Senesi.pdf

14:09 Modelling of low collision plasmas at the IJL - Nancy (France): kinetic phenomena and energy conversion processes

The theoretical and numerical modelling of fundamental kinetic processes in low collision plasmas is the oldest and most traditional research activity that the plasma theory team in Nancy began in the ‘60s, and which in the ‘80s led to the development of the first Eulerian and semi-Lagrangian Vlasov codes.
I will present a few of the recent research activities and results, carried out along this tradition and sometimes in collaboration with colleagues abroad, to which I took part. A key element is the inter-disciplinary character of this research activity whose applications span laser-plasma interactions, magnetically confined plasmas, space and astrophysical plasmas.
In particular, I will discuss some recent results exemplifying energy conversion processes that involve the formation and dissipation of coherent structures in low-collision turbulent plasmas, by highlighting the way they can be fundamentally connected in spite of their different frameworks of application:
the formation of transport barriers in gyrokinetic turbulence in tokamaks [1,2]; the shear-driven mechanism with which a turbulent plasma can be anisotropically heated via the so-called pressure-strain interaction and the limitations this imposes to a gyrokinetic modelling [3]; a recently identified kinetic heating that converts the magnetic energy produced by anisotropy-driven beam-plasma instabilities into kinetic energy, and which is different from magnetic reconnection [4]; and the dissipation of current sheets by magnetic reconnection in solar wind turbulence [5,6].

References:

[1] ““Ion temperature gradient mode mitigation by energetic particles, mediated by forced-driven zonal flows”, J. N. Sama, A. Biancalani, A. Bottino, D. Del Sarto, R. J. Dumont, G. Di Giannatale, A. Ghizzo , T. Hayward-Schneider, Ph. Lauber, B. McMillan, A. Mishchenko, M. Muruggapan, B. Rettino, B. Rofman, F. Vannini, L. Villard, X. Wang, , Phys. Plasmas 31, 112503 (2024).”
[2]“Emergence of E ×B staircase driven by the negative mass instability in tokamak plasmas”, A. Ghizzo, D. Del Sarto, to be submitted to Phys. Rev. E.
[3] “Violation of the gyrotropic pressure closure due to a velocity shear in a magnetized plasma”, D. Del Sarto, F. Pegoraro, 21eme Rencontre du Non Linéaire, p.7, (2018).
[4] “Collisionless heating driven by Vlasov filamentation in a counterstreaming beams configuration”, A. Ghizzo, D. Del Sarto, H. Betar, Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 035101 (2023).
[5] “Plasma Turbulence in the Near-Sun and Near-Earth Solar Wind: A Comparison via Observation-Driven 2D Hybrid Simulations”, L. Franci, E. Papini, D. Del Sarto, P. Hellinger, D. Burgess, L. Matteini, S. Landi, V. Montagud-Camps, Universe 8, 453 (2022).
[6] “Microscopic current sheets and fast tearing modes in plasma turbulence”, H. Betar, D. Del Sarto, Astrophysical Journal, 990, 28 (2025).

Speaker: Daniele Del Sarto (Université de Lorraine)

Abstract_DelSarto_CIP2026.docx

14:10 Magnetic reconnection studies in collisionless relativistic plasmas

P. Buratti (1, 2), E. Menegoni (3), V. Vittorini (1), M. Tavani (1), D. Borgogno (1), F. Pucci (1) and L. Foffano (1)

(1) INAF-IAPS Roma, via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy
(2) ENEA, NUC Department, via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
(3) ASI, via del Politecnico, Roma

Magnetic reconnection in collisionless current layers embedded in tenuous background plasmas is studied by means of the Zeltron relativistic particle-in-cell (PIC) code [1].
A strongly unstable initial equilibrium is considered by choosing the current layer width not much larger than the collisionless skin depth. The assumed aspect ratio of the current layer is relatively small (400). Our conditions are complementary to the ones in large scale simulations [2], where reconnection is triggered artificially introducing a local loss of equilibrium. On the contrary, the work we present here is focused on the spontaneous onset of reconnection, and its short term evolution.
The development of the tearing instability breaks the current layer into a chain of plasmoids. The initial instability growth rate as a function of wavenumber is consistent with linear theoretical estimates in which the effect of the background plasma is kept into account. The initial number of magnetic islands formed by the tearing instability corresponds to the wavelength for which the growth rate is maximum. Later on, the plasma current progressively becomes concentrated around islands o-points, forming plasmoid structures. Plasmoids attract each other and for this reason tend to form larger and larger structures by a sequence of mergers. The first generation of mergers occurs after abount 0.25 global light crossing times. Coalescing plasmoids approach each other at relativistic velocities. A single plasmoid filling the simulation box along the initial neutral line direction is left in about two global light-crossing times.
Electron-positron plasmas are considered in the simulations. The initially maxwellian background plasma populations develop hard power-law tails with sharp cutoff. Particle acceleration occurs in lockstep with plasmoid mergers. The cutoff shifts to higher energies the higher the magnetization.

[1] B. Cerutti et al., 2013, The Astrophysical Journal, 770, 147
[2] L. Sironi et al., 2016, MNRAS 462, 48

Speaker: Dr Paolo Buratti (INAF-IAPS and ENEA)

14:11 Properties of relativistic MHD turbulence in synchrotron emitting astrophysical sources

The magnetized plasma of high-energy astrophysical sources is often characterised by non-thermal synchrotron emission, and the (linear) polarization degree is highly affected by the presence of stochastic fluctuations. Polarimetric satellites are nowadays able to obtain detailed measures in different locations of extended sources, especially of Pulsar Wind Nebulae in the X-rays. In this work we study the properties of MHD turbulence in relativistically hot sources by means of numerical simulations and provide recipes for synthetic synchrotron emission and its polarimetric properties, to compare with observations.

Speaker: Luca Del Zanna

14:12 Unveiling particle acceleration in solar flares: The crucial role of X-ray polarimetry and future Italian space missions

The study of solar flares offers a unique laboratory for investigating high-energy plasma physics and magnetic reconnection processes. A central open question in solar physics concerns the mechanisms responsible for particle acceleration during the impulsive phase of flares. While magnetic reconnection is identified as the primary energy release trigger, the specific processes accelerating electrons to non-thermal energies remain debated.

Standard diagnostics based on spectral and imaging data often face degeneracies, making it difficult to distinguish between thermal and non-thermal components or to constrain the anisotropy of the electron distribution. Hard X-ray polarimetry represents the "missing observable" capable of breaking these degeneracies. Theoretical models predict that collimated electron beams should produce a high degree of linear polarization, whereas the presence of strong magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence would tend to isotropize the electron pitch-angle distribution, significantly reducing the polarization signature of the non-thermal bremsstrahlung emission.

To address this observational gap a new generation of Hard X-ray polarimeters is under development. A Compton scattering polarimeter sensitive in the 25-100 keV energy range, currently in Phase B, is foreseen aboard the CUSP (CUbesat Solar Plarimeter) space mission funded by ASI and led by INAF-IAPS. Moreover, a new gas polarimeter effective in the 10-35 keV enegy range based on the photoelectric effect (as part of the HypeX - High Yield Polarimetry experiment in X-rays - project) is under development by INAF-IAPS in collaboration with Bonn University with the support of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and ASI.

New missions concepts with a glance beyond the first pathfinder missions will be introduced.

References:

1. Fabiani, S., et al. (2025). The CUbesat Solar Polarimeter (CUSP): mission overview II. Proceedings of SPIE.
2. De Angelis, N., et al. (2025). Solar Flare Hard X-ray Polarimetry with the CUbesat Solar Polarimeter (CUSP) mission. PoS SISSA, https://pos.sissa.it/501/622/
3. Fabiani, S. et al. (2025). Towards imaging-spectro-polarimetry of solar flares in the X-rays. Proceedings of SPIE.
4. Jeffrey, N. L. S., et al. (2020). Probing solar flare accelerated electron distributions with prospective X-ray polarimetry missions. Astronomy & Astrophysics.
5. Zharkova, V. et al. (2010), Diagnostics of energetic electrons with anisotropic distributions in solar flares I. Hard X-rays bremsstrahlung emission. A&A 512, A8
6. Petrosian, V. (2012). Stochastic Acceleration by Turbulence. Space Science Reviews.
7. Tsuneta, S., & Naito, T. (1998). Fermi Acceleration at the Fast Shock in a Solar Flare and the Impulsive Loop-Top Hard X-Ray Source. The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Speaker: Dr Sergio Fabiani (INAF-IAPS)

CIP_2026_Poster_Fabiani.pdf

14:13 Status of energy recovery, cooler and ion source experiments

The integrated experiment Plasma4beam2 addresses some innovative experiments in accelerator physics, in part described in this work. In neutral beam injectors (NBI) for tokamak heating or diagnostics, radiofrequency (RF) negative ion sources are used and residual ion beams (both H+ and H-) are produced; recovering their energy may improve net NBI efficiency and reduce heat load on walls. Voltage holding is also challenging. A 20 keV prototype suitable for test with TRIPS (H+) or NIO1 (H-) is being finally assembled on a test line near the former source. While NIO1, a 2MHz RF source is currently in shutdown, improved Faraday shields and Langmuir probes for it are being studied. At these low frequencies, plasma potential oscillations are difficult to compensate; plans to refurbish an RF source test stand for probes calibration are discussed, with O2 or N2 as process gas. Finally an RF ion cooler (where He is buffer gas) is presented, with the status of all subsystem development; for the limited RF power needed, 4 MHz is a suitable working frequency.

Speaker: Marco Cavenago (INFN-LNL)

cip2026cavenagoEtAl_energy_recovery_negative_ion_and_cooling.pdf

CIP26_abstract40_cavenagoEtAl.pdf

14:14 Homogenous plasma turbulence measurements in strong gravitational fields

Understanding plasma turbulence in curved spacetime — especially near compact objects — remains an open challenge. Conventional analyses rely on flat-spacetime techniques that cannot fully capture the effects of strong gravitational curvature. In this work, we review a recent method for studying turbulence in generic manifolds and arbitrary gravitational fields, enabling the calculation of quantities such as the second-order structure function and power spectral density in a fully relativistic framework. Finally, we apply this method to numerical simulations of accretion on a Kerr black hole, showing that such curvature-based approach reproduces the expected inertial-range cascade while uncovering significant discrepancies with flat-spacetime analyses close to the black hole event horizon.

Speaker: Giuseppe Ficarra (University of Calabria)

14:15 Sull’evoluzione temporale delle specie cariche e non cariche durante l’accensione di un plasma RF-ICP di una miscela di azoto ossigeno e argon

Questo lavoro studia la ionizzazione dei propellenti atmosferici in plasmi accoppiati induttivamente (ICP). Nasce dall’interesse di approfondire la comprensione della chimica del plasma atmosferico per l’applicazione a sistemi di propulsione elettrica air-breathing (ABEP) per satelliti operanti in orbite terrestri molto basse (VLEO). Queste orbite, che vanno da 100 a 350 km di altitudine, offrono vantaggi quali migliori capacità di osservazione della Terra, prestazioni superiori nelle telecomunicazioni e mitigazione naturale dei detriti. Tuttavia, la presenza di resistenza atmosferica richiede una regolazione continua della spinta, il che limita la vita operativa dei sistemi di propulsione elettrica convenzionali che si basano su propellente immagazzinato. I sistemi ABEP rappresentano un tentativo di soluzione a questo problema, Essi consistono in una piattaforma capace di raccogliere e accelerare le specie atmosferiche residue, principalmente azoto molecolare e ossigeno atomico, usando un propulsore al plasma per contrastare la resistenza senza trasportare propellente a bordo. Il flusso rarefatto in cui opera l’ABEP, insieme alla peculiare composizione dell’atmosfera (e quindi del propellente) alle altitudini VLEO, rende particolarmente difficile la simulazione sperimentale a terra del funzionamento di queste piattaforme.
Un numero limitato di modelli globali è stato sviluppato per analizzare la chimica del plasma all’interno di un propulsore elettrico air-breathing, con un crescente livello di dettaglio dei processi coinvolti. Partendo da questa base, il presente lavoro arricchisce l’insieme delle reazioni includendo argon e ioni con carica superiore a 1. In primo luogo, è stato formulato un modello globale per la scarica nel regime a radiofrequenza (RF) [1] e poi integrato con un modello per la chimica dettagliata di miscele azoto-ossigeno-argon [2]. Il lavoro proposto procede quindi ad analizzare il transitorio di accensione dal punto di vista delle specie che compongono il plasma a bassa temperatura che crea in queste condizioni: ioni positivi e negativi, specie eccitate elettronicamente e vibrazionalmente, specie atomiche e molecolari e composti molecolari ossigeno-azoto,

Il modello globale per la sorgente al plasma RF include le equazioni di continuità per ogni specie e l’equazione dell’energia per gli elettroni. Le reazioni tra le diverse specie accoppiano le equazioni di continuità. Si suppone che gli ioni vengano neutralizzati alle pareti ed escano con la velocità di Bohm attraverso un’area efficace corretta tramite gli h-factors. L’assunzione di quasi-neutralità è adottata per regolare il trasporto degli elettroni fuori dal volume. La sorgente accoppiata induttivamente utilizza una antenna a $N$ spire avvolta attorno ad un cilindro dielettrico, in cui scorre una corrente $I_{coil}$ alla frequenza $f$. La risposta RF del plasma è descritta tramite parametri concentrati, ossia $R_p$ e $L_p$, e la potenza assorbita dagli elettroni è calcolata di conseguenza.
Il modello include reazioni di eccitazione, ionizzazione e dissociazione indotte da impatto elettronico, insieme a tutte le reazioni rilevanti neutro-neutro, neutro-ione e ione-ione per miscele $N_2$-$O_2$-$Ar$. La funzione di distribuzione dell’energia elettronica è ipotizzata maxwelliana. Una campagna di simulazioni sarà condotta per investigare l’influenza dei parametri principali quali: corrente nell’antenna, portata di gas in ingresso e frequenza del segnale RF.

Questa attività condurrà allo sviluppo di uno strumento per la simulazione della chimica del plasma d’aria con una deposizione di potenza realistica da un’antenna a radiofrequenza. Una delle sue caratteristiche principali sarà il costo computazionale relativamente basso, tale da permetterne l’esecuzione su un PC desktop. Un approccio a volumi discreti sarà sviluppato in seguito, il quale migliorerà la rappresentazione delle disomogeneità dovute alla geometria e ai campi magnetici applicati. Inoltre, con un approccio di questo tipo sarà possibile studiare la distribuzione radiale delle specie al variare della penetrazione del campo RF.

[1] P. Chabert, J. Arancibia Monreal, J. Bredin, L. Popelier, e A. Aanesland, «Global model of a gridded-ion thruster powered by a radiofrequency inductive coil», Phys. Plasmas, vol. 19, fasc. 7, p. 073512, lug. 2012, doi: 10.1063/1.4737114.
[2] E. Gaspari, E. Ferrato, V. Giannetti e T. Andreussi, «Plasma Chemistry Simulations in Air-breathing Electric Thrusters: Ignition Conditions and Core Trends», In 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference (IEPC 2025-167)

Speaker: Edoardo Gaspari (Dottorando - Scuola Universitaria Superiore Sant'Anna)

14:16 Generazione di plasma atmosferico nei sistemi di propulsione elettrica spaziale “air-breathing” per orbite molto basse.

Operare piattaforme satellitari in un’orbita terrestre molto bassa (Very Low Earth Orbit - VLEO), a un’altitudine inferiore ai 400 km, offrirebbe vantaggi significativi sia in termini di prestazioni del carico utile sia di mitigazione dei detriti spaziali [1]. Tuttavia, la resistenza aerodinamica presente a queste altitudini, dovuta all’atmosfera residua, deve essere compensata continuamente da un sistema di propulsione, limitando in modo sostanziale la vita operativa del satellite. Per questo motivo, i satelliti non operano tipicamente in VLEO.
Negli ultimi anni, la propulsione elettrica “air-breathing” è emersa come una potenziale tecnologia abilitante per missioni spaziali di lunga durata in VLEO. Il concetto si basa su un sistema di raccolta frontale che cattura i gas atmosferici e li convoglia verso un propulsore elettrico al plasma, in grado di ionizzare e accelerare le particelle raccolte per generare una spinta sufficiente a compensare la resistenza atmosferica.
Sono stati proposti diversi concetti di propulsori elettrici air-breathing [2]; tuttavia, i test a terra hanno evidenziato difficoltà nel raggiungere una sufficiente efficienza nella ionizzazione dell’atmosfera tipica delle orbite VLEO. Ciò è dovuto (i) alla maggiore complessità intrinseca della ionizzazione dell’azoto molecolare e dell’ossigeno atomico rispetto ai propellenti tipici della propulsione elettrica, e (ii) alle pressioni comparativamente basse attese nella camera di scarica del propulsore a valle della presa d’aria alle altitudini VLEO operative.
In questo lavoro, analizziamo la generazione di plasma in sistemi di propulsione elettrica air-breathing. Anzitutto, basandosi su modelli atmosferici disponibili in letteratura [3], le capacità di raccolta e compressione dell’aria rarefatta da parte di una presa d’aria passiva a velocità orbitale sono valutate tramite metodi Monte Carlo. Disponendo della densità e composizione del gas atmosferico atteso nella camera di scarica, viene poi proposta una formulazione di ordine ridotto per valutare le caratteristiche del plasma atmosferico, includendo tutte le principali reazioni coinvolte e l’influenza del campo magnetico applicato. Infine, il modello sviluppato viene utilizzato per valutare la fattibilità della generazione di plasma in condizioni rappresentative di reali scenari operativi in VLEO al fine di capire i regimi operativi in cui la soluzione air-breathing risulta possibile per compensare la resistenza atmosferica.

[1] Crisp, N. H., et al. (2021). System modelling of very low Earth orbit satellites for Earth observation. Acta Astronautica, 187(June), 475–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.07.004.

[2] Andreussi, T., et al. (2022). A review of air-breathing electric propulsion: from mission studies to technology verification. Journal of Electric Propulsion, 1(1), 1–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44205-022-00024-9.

[3] Picone, J., et al. (2002). NRLMSISE-00 empirical model of the atmosphere:Statistical comparisons and scientific issues. Journal of Geophysical Research, 107(A12), 1468.

Speaker: Vittorio Giannetti (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna)

14:17 From Photospheric Convection to Coronal Heating: A Large-Domain SOC-Inspired N-Body Simulation of Quiet-Sun Magnetic Reconnection

Understanding the dynamics of small-scale magnetic fields in the solar
photosphere is essential for interpreting the physical processes
occurring in the upper layers of the solar atmosphere, where magnetic
coupling drives chromospheric and coronal activity. In this work we
present an improved simulation framework designed to investigate the
statistical properties of magnetic-loop reconnections and their
contribution to energy release in the quiet Sun.

The model adopts an N-body approach and is structured into two
computational layers. We represent solar convection through a modified
Self-Organized Criticality (SOC) scheme in which the system not only
reproduces the power-law distribution of released energies, but also
preserves spatial–temporal coherence across the multiple convective
scales involved in the process. Mesogranulation emerges naturally as the
collective behavior of interacting granular-scale downflows, which
advect the magnetic footpoints and ultimately trigger loop reconnection
events.

A key advantage of this simplified N-body formulation over full MHD
modeling is its ability to simulate very large numbers of synthetic
events over extensive spatial (≈20 Mm) and temporal (several days)
domains. This allows us to capture the long-term, large-scale
statistical behavior of quiet-Sun magnetic activity at a fraction of the
computational cost of traditional MHD simulations.

Several technical improvements have been introduced with respect to
previous versions of the model. The computational domain has been
expanded to sizes exceeding a full supergranule, and the emergence rate
of magnetic elements has been increased to match values recently
observed by modern solar instruments. These enhancements enable a more
realistic representation of the quiet-Sun magnetic environment.

The resulting synthetic time series of nanoflares exhibits statistically
robust reconnection dynamics. Our analysis of the released energy as a
function of height demonstrates that the modeled dissipation profile can
provide sufficient energy to account for both chromospheric and coronal
heating. These results reinforce the potential of N-body, SOC-inspired
models as powerful tools for exploring multi-scale magnetic interactions
and energy release in the quiet solar atmosphere.

Speaker: Luca Giovannelli (University of Rome Tor Vergata)

14:18 Modelling the longest plasma jets in the Universe with magneto-hydrodynamic simulations

Since the early studies of extragalactic jets (collimated flows of relativistic plasmas), a central question has persisted: how far can such jets propagate in space? The discovery of the 4.1 mega-parsec (Mpc) jet in the radio galaxy 3C-236 in 1974 set the benchmark for decades, later surpassed by J1420-0545 (radio galaxy with a jet extending to 4.69 Mpc) discovered in 2008. For a long time, this scale appeared to be the physical limit of jet propagation, with the recently identified 5 Mpc source Alcyoneus (2022) reinforcing the idea of a possible upper bound to jet propagation scales in space. This assumption was dramatically challenged by the 2024 discovery of Porphyron, a 7 Mpc giant jet, which not only reopens the question of what controls jet growth in the cosmos (rarer environment, jet power, long age, or jet restart?) but also challenges the fundamental limits of jet physics: How do such plasma columns preserve thrust, and collimation over these extreme distances despite magneto-hydrodynamical plasma instabilities? Furthermore, the recent surge in such giant jet detections, driven by recent radio telescopes, complicates the picture with discoveries of examples and counter-examples challenging the proposed models explaining their formation. In this presentation, we outline an ongoing simulation campaign using GPU-accelerated codes to investigate the physical mechanisms behind these extraordinary jets and forecast how the upcoming mega-science facilities may transform our understanding of jet physics on cosmic scales.

Speaker: Gourab Giri (Institute of Radioastronomy Bolgona - INAF)

14:19 Kinetic Turbulence and Magnetic Reconnection in Relativistic Multispecies Plasmas

Simulations of relativistic plasmas traditionally focus on the dynamics of two-species mixtures of charged particles under the influence of external magnetic fields and those generated by particle currents. However, the extreme conditions of astrophysical plasmas near compact objects, such as black holes and neutron stars, are often characterized by mixtures of electrons, protons, and positrons, whose dynamics can differ significantly, because of the considerable mass contrast. We present the first two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of relativistic turbulence and magnetic reconnection in a three-species plasma, varying the relative abundances of electrons, protons, and positrons, while employing realistic mass ratios to achieve unprecedented accuracy. We find that turbulence leads to the formation of magnetic islands, current sheets, and plasmoids. Reconnection occurs between these structures, with plasma composition playing a key role in determining the number of reconnection sites and their energy conversion efficiency. In particular, as the proton fraction increases, very small-scale features of the turbulence are washed out, while global dissipative effects are amplified. Finally, using a novel generalization of Ohm’s law for a relativistic multispecies plasma, we find that the reconnection rate is primarily governed by the electric fields associated with the divergence of the positron and electron pressure tensors. These results provide new insights into dissipation and particle acceleration in turbulent relativistic plasmas, such as those near black holes and neutron stars, and can be used to interpret their high-energy emission and phenomenology.

Speaker: Mario Imbrogno (Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Fisica)

14:20 Contribution of the non-gyrotopy pressure strain terms in the energy conversion a ion scales: Results from 3D hybrid simulations.

By using results from a 3D hybrid simulation we investigate the properties of plasma turbulence at ion scales, focusing on how the bulk-kinetic and magnetic energy is transferred into the internal energy of the particles by the pressure-strain interaction term. We analyze the time evolution of the internal and kinetic energy as well that of the pressure strain. The last exhibits a substantial oscillatory behavior, which reflects its reversibility properties, embedded in a secular evolution toward a global increase of the internal energy of the plasma which can be accounted as an effective dissipation. When the pressure strain term is separated into the gyrotropic and non-gyrotropic part the last does not show important oscillations and can be recognized as the main channel of the effective dissipation. The Kármán-Howart-Monin description of the energy balance equation reveals that the oscillations of the gyrotropic component are important mainly at the large scales while it can account of a global cooling at ion scales where the non-gyrotropic part is dominating.

Speaker: Simone Landi (Università di Firenze)

14:21 Numerical investigation of the Microwave Electrothermal Thruster cavity and plasma at Politecnico di Milano

Abstract:
Over the last decades, electric propulsion (EP) technologies have been playing a crucial role in the space market due to their ability to achieve higher specific impulse compared to chemical thrusters, resulting in improved propellant mass economy [1]. Although many EP thrusters are now highly mature, their lifetime is limited by plasma-induced erosion of critical components, such as electrodes and grids. Electrodeless plasma thrusters overcome this limitation by using electromagnetic interactions to energize the propellant, avoiding direct material contact [2]. The Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) [3] is an electrodeless propulsion device consisting of a cylindrical resonant cavity excited by microwaves (MW). The cavity is designed to operate in the TM011 mode and is divided in half by a dielectric plate, which physically separates the MW excitation region from the discharge one. MWs form and sustain a plasma, which absorbs energy and subsequently transfer it to a swrling propellant. The heated propellant then expands through a solid nozzle, producing thrust. The MET has proven to be highly scalable and compatible with several atomic and molecular propellants, achieving performance comparable to that of arcjets but without the need for electrodes, which increases the operational lifetime.
Challenges in future MET development can be addressed through modeling and simulations [3-5]. Electromagnetic (EM) modeling of the resonant cavity can improve the understanding of how design choices (e.g., dimensions or material) affect the cavity response to the microwave excitatation [4]. Fluid models, on the other end, enable the investigation of discharge physics, its effect on the EM fields and coupling, as well as propellant expansion [5]. However, such analyses may become computationally expensive, especially when propellants with many species and complex plasma chemistry are considered. Global plasma models offer a compromise between physical fidelity, simplicity, and reduced computational costs, as they compute only volume-averaged quantities [3]. They are widely used to estimate key plasma parameters (e.g., composition, electron temperature) of plasma-based technologies (such as electric thruster) under various operating conditions.
This work present the numerical activitities carried out at the Nanolab, Politecnico di Milano, to design and optimize a 2.45 GHz Microwave Electrothermal Thruster and to investigate its behavior and performance under several propellants and operating conditions.
COMSOL Multiphysics ® is employed to design and optimize the resonant cavity, studying its response to MW excitation through the antenna. Considering the resonant frequency, the power reflection, and the electric field distribution as key parameters, the objective is to assess the impact of design choices such as dielectric plate thickness, plate and wall materials, and antenna insertion, using this data to support the design of a first prototype.
Finally, 0D multi-temmperature plasma models are employed to study the discharge and estimate thruster performance (e.g., thrust, specific impulse, and thruster efficiency) for several propellants and operating conditions. The set of particles and power balance equations are solved to get steady-state species densities and temeperatures. These models consider multiple temperatures, each governed by a dedicated power balance equation, because electrons and heavy species are generally far from translational equilibrium [3]. When molecular species are considered, rotational-translational equilibrium is assumed, whereas vibrational kinetics is modeled by assuming that vibrational states follow a boltzmann distribution characterized by a distinct vibrational temperature [6].

References:
1. Levchenko, I.; Xu, S.; Mazouffre, S.; et al., Phys Plasmas (2020), 27
2. Mazouffre, S, Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. (2016), 25
3. M Lauriola et al 2025 Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 34 105017
4. Micci, M. M.; Bilén, S. G.; Clemens, D. E.; Progress in Propulsion Physics (2009) 1, 425-438
5. Lee, J.; Raja, L. L.; J. Appl. Phys. (2024) 135
6. M. Capitelli et al. Plasma Kinetics in atmospheric gases (2000) Spriger

Speaker: Michele Lauriola (Politecnico di Milano)

CIP-Abstract-LAURIOLA.pdf

14:22 Impact of Distinct Viscous and Resistive Dissipation on the MHD Energy Cascade

The energy cascade in Alfvénic solar wind turbulence is often analyzed under the ideal plasma approximation, where viscosity (ν) and resistivity (η) are assumed equal and negligible. Recent observations, however, indicate that viscous effects associated with velocity fields may operate on scales significantly larger than those of magnetic dissipation. To address this, we introduce a phenomenological framework that distinguishes between viscous and resistive dissipation by allowing ν and η to take different values.

Within this approach, we examine the third-order Yaglom law for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence by combining theoretical derivations with high-resolution numerical simulations. The MHD energy budget is reformulated in terms of Elsässer variables, resulting in a modified von Kármán–Howarth equation appropriate for the visco-resistive case. The generalized Yaglom relation obtained in this context provides a direct estimate of the energy transfer rate across scales and highlights the deviations from the ideal MHD prediction.

The results from direct numerical simulations confirm the validity of the analytical model and demonstrate the impact of distinct viscous and resistive dissipation mechanisms on the turbulent cascade. These findings offer a refined framework for interpreting in-situ measurements of solar wind and magnetosheath turbulence.

Speaker: Elisa Maria Fortugno

14:23 Unveiling the role of the catalyst support in silver-enhanced plasma ammonia synthesis

F. Spadoni1,§, S. Perina1,∗, G. Castellani3, P. Tosi1, P. Fornasiero3, V.M. Sglavo2 and L.M. Martini1
1 University of Trento, Department of Physics, Trento, Italy
2 University of Trento, Department of Industrial Engineering, Trento, Italy
3 University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CNR-ICCOM, CENMAT, Trieste, Italy
§Present address: Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
∗ Present address: Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Plasma catalysis is an emerging research area that aims to combine the speed and selectivity of catalysis with non-thermal plasma’s ability to promote high-energy chemistry at mild conditions. However, plasma catalysis needs a deeper understanding of its fundamental mechanisms, as evidenced by the differing results reported in the literature regarding the true synergy between plasma and the catalytic material [1]. Unlike thermal catalysis, in plasma catalysis, dissociation also occurs in the gas phase, and the presence of the electric field, charged particles, and radicals can lead to different pathways unique to the specific environment [2]. In addition, complex chemical and physical interactions arise among the catalyst support, the catalyst, and the discharge that are not well understood.
Adding a catalyst does not necessarily improve the plasma's activity, and in some cases, it can be detrimental to performance. In most plasma catalysis studies, the procedure for preparing the catalyst (and the catalyst support) is not standardized, making it problematic to understand and reproduce the experiments. In this contribution, we examine the plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis process to gain insights into the role of support preparation [3]. We chose silver as the active material, and alumina beads and alumina monoliths as supports for a dielectric barrier discharge and a nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge, respectively. To reveal the influence of the support preparation process, we use bare alumina beads as a reference group. These beads underwent the same preparation steps as the silver-impregnated beads (drying, impregnation with or without stirring, and calcination), except that silver was not added. The same procedure has been applied to monoliths of γ-Al2O3 on α-Al2O3, except that monoliths do not require stirring. We found that the catalyst support significantly affects the ammonia production. In particular, the treatment of the support required to load the catalyst strongly impacts ammonia production, as demonstrated by the comparison between treated and untreated support. This difference can be attributed to the combination of stirring (for beads) and the heat treatment that the supports undergo during preparation. The addition of silver, which is not active in thermal catalysis, enhances ammonia production when loaded on the supports in both discharges relative to the performance of the appropriate reference group.
Acknowledgement
Funded by the European Union under NextGenerationEU. PRIN 2022 PLASMODD Prot. n. 2022J5NBBN; European Union - FSE REACT-EU, PON Research and Innovation program 2014-2020.
References
[1] B. Loenders, R. Michiels, A. Bogaerts, “Is a catalyst always beneficial in plasma catalysis? Insights from the many physical and chemical interactions”, J. Energy Chem., 85, 501, 2023.
[2] P. Mehta, P. Barboun, D. B. Go, J. C. Hicks, W. F. Schneider, “Catalysis enabled by plasma activation of strong chemical bonds: a review”, ACS Energy Letters, 4, 1115, 2019
[3] F. Spadoni, S. Perina, G. Castellani, P. Tosi, P. Fornasiero, V.M. Sglavo, and L.M. Martini, “The Support can Disguise the Catalytic Effect: The Case of Silver on Alumina in Plasma Ammonia Synthesis”, ChemSusChem, 18, e202402778, 2025

Speaker: Luca Matteo Martini

CIP_Martini[41].pdf

14:24 Particle Acceleration and Transport in Young Supernova Remnants

Young supernova remnants are ideal sites for studying the acceleration and transport of high-energy particles. This work presents a comprehensive investigation of particle acceleration in Cassiopeia A using spatially resolved X-ray observations, and explores how the surrounding circumstellar medium affects the acceleration efficiency. Radial intensity profiles of bright nonthermal X-ray filaments observed with Chandra are analyzed in regions dominated by synchrotron emission and significant polarization. The filament morphology is interpreted using a transport model that accounts for diffusive energy losses, superdiffusive propagation in the far upstream region, and magnetic field damping downstream of the shock. The local magnetic field strength and the characteristic diffusion length scales are derived. These parameters are compared with the level of magnetic turbulence inferred from X-ray polarization measurements. On larger scales, the role of the circumstellar medium shaped by the progenitor star in regulating shock evolution and maximum particle energies in Cassiopeia A is investigated. Shock evolution models suggest that Cassiopeia A may have been a PeVatron during its early expansion in a dense red supergiant wind, whereas the present shock propagates in a lower-density main-sequence wind. The analysis is extended to Tycho’s supernova remnant, a Type Ia explosion expanding into a uniform interstellar medium, showing distinctly different acceleration properties.

Speaker: Alessandra Mercuri (Università della Calabria, via P. Bucci, cubo 33C, 87036, Rende (CS), Italy)

14:25 Design of an NH3 AF-MPDT for Bimodal Nuclear Propulsion

The Bimodal Ammonia Nuclear Thermal and Electric Rocket (BANTER) project, funded by the European Innovation Council, aims to develop a versatile nuclear propulsion system for deep-space missions. Unlike conventional bimodal systems, which use separate propellants for nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion, BANTER employs ammonia (NH₃) as a single propellant. This unified approach simplifies spacecraft design, increases mission flexibility, and enables in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), while maintaining competitive performance in both modes.
Ammonia’s higher molecular mass limits nuclear thermal specific impulse relative to hydrogen-based systems. BANTER compensates via in-core ammonia decomposition: within the reactor, NH₃ dissociates into nitrogen and hydrogen before nozzle expansion. This reduces effective molecular weight, increases exhaust velocity, and yields an estimated nuclear thermal specific impulse of ~500 s, well above conventional chemical propulsion.
In electric propulsion mode, BANTER uses an advanced power conversion system with ammonia as the working fluid in an open, asynchronous Brayton cycle. This supplies spacecraft and propulsion power while reducing thermal management needs and eliminating large radiators typical of closed-cycle nuclear electric systems.
The electric propulsion subsystem employs an Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster (AF-MPDT) for its high thrust density and specific impulse. Externally applied magnetic fields provide additional thrust and performance gains. The system’s high-power demand matches BANTER’s nuclear power availability, enabling efficient high-power operation.
The AF-MPDT is developed by the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) at the University of Stuttgart and the University of Pisa, building on the SX3 thruster heritage. The final design targets 100 kW, with a 1 kW prototype tested on NH₃ at IRS to validate performance and stability. Simultaneously, hollow cathode development and testing are conducted at the University of Pisa’s Electric Propulsion Laboratory.

Speaker: Aldo Micciani (Università di Pisa)

BANTER_abstract2.pdf

14:26 Particle-in-Cell model of nanosecond point-to-plane high-pressure discharge

In the frame of non-equilibrium discharge processing for CO2 valorization and nitrogen fixation, nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) discharges have shown a promising set of performances [1]. A modelling attempt must address microscopic time/space-resolved description of the physics and kinetics of the discharge. To this end, Particle-in-Cell (PIC) models seem to be the only option. The point-to-plane discharge simulated is made of a tungsten needle and an SS plate with inter-electrode gap of 3 mm. The voltage and current plot at 100 Torr N2 gas is shown in Fig. 1.
Simulations are run with the PICCOLO code, described in more detail in [2,3], and feature a Particle-in-Cell / Monte Carlo Collision (PIC-MCC) model in 2D(r,z)-cylindrical axi-symmetric coordinates to capture the nitrogen plasma (electron / N+ and N2+ ions) dynamics of the single nth pulse. A prescribed voltage is imposed at the anodic needle, while the plate is kept grounded. The simulation starts by seeding a fixed number of electrons / ions with a given non-uniform spatial distribution (initial plasma density n0 = 1017 m-3) mimicking the residual charges (globally neutral) that are present in the system after the previous (n-1)th pulse in the experiment. The neutral background density of N atoms, of all the vibrational levels of the ground N2(X1Sg+,n=0-59) and of the metastables N2(A3Su+) and N2(a′1Su-) is continuously updated by self-consistently solving their master equations knowing the electron-induced source/sink frequency term neX=<seXvene>. The radiative cascade from the excited triplets states B, W, B’, C and from the quintet states A’, C’’ to the triplet metastable state A is too slow compared to the pulse duration (200 ns) to give a contribution to populate the triplet state A. More than 30 electron-induced collisions with neutrals, Coulomb collisions and ion-neutral momentum and charge exchange collisions are included.

It is shown that a diffuse discharge develops with a structure similar to a that of a glow discharge, with negative glow and Faraday dark space, highlighting the importance of non-local contributions to the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) as shown in Fig. 2. Like in a DC glow discharge, the cathodic potential drop (more than 600 V) in front of the grounded plate accelerates ions which induce secondary electrons emission from the cathode. This in turn allows the ionization feeding the ion production and the further electron emission after ion impact on the plate.

Speaker: Pierpaolo Minelli (CNR - ISTP)

CIP_Abstract_Minelli.docx

14:27 Particle-in-Cell Simulation of ECR Ion Sources

The custom Particle-in-Cell code we are developing for the study of Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRIS) has reached a version that reproduces various experimental observations. It also explained why the HSMDIS[1] magnetic configuration shows no erosion of the Boron-Nitride disks. The code reproduces the plasma formation from an empty plasma chamber to a density of the order of 1E17 m^-3, including the beam extraction up to tens of mA. Disclosing the close relation between plasma properties and beam properties. We were able to disclose the different behaviour produced by two different magnetic configurations of the 2.45GHz ECR ion source: the standard[2] and the HSMDIS[1]. Results show that the standard magnetic configuration can heat the plasma even without active ECR resonance within the plasma chamber, and that the HSMDIS magnetic configuration uses the ECR and UHR resonances to heat, confine, and stabilize the plasma. The formation of electrostatic waves was also disclosed in two regions of the CMA diagram, and their role in plasma density displacement was clarified. The code is written in Matlab, with a live link to Comsol for the computation of the magnetostatic and electromagnetic fields, while different mex functions written in C and parallelized with OpenMP compute the motion and interactions of the species. In solving the Poisson problem, we note that the space-charge density variation affects only the known term in the system of linear equations that discretize the problem. We use this peculiarity to factorize (the most computationally intensive part) only once, and then solve the simplified system whenever needed. We also minimized the number of solutions, considering the value of the rising plasma frequency. Many other optimization strategies were adopted to make the computation efficient, a highly crucial aspect for enabling the study of plasma evolution over hundreds of microseconds with a time step of 2E-12 seconds. While the implementation of plasma interactions with metallic and insulating materials, including secondary electron emissions, is satisfactory, we have evidence that the hydrogen chemistry needs to be enriched with the formation of hydrogen molecular excited states and negative hydrogen ions. The ongoing development ot the three-dimensional Poisson solver (with GPU implementation) and the enrichment of chemical reactions will also enable the simulation of negative hydrogen ion sources.

[1] L. Neri, et al., "HSMDIS PERFORMANCE ON THE ESS ION SOURCE" in Proc. 31st Linear Accelerator Conf. (LINAC'22), Liverpool, UK, Aug.–Sep. 2022, pp. THPORI19. JACoW Publishing, doi:10.18429/JACoW-LINAC2022-THPORI19
[2] Taylor, T. & Wills, J. S. C. (1991) "A high-current low-emittance dc ECR proton source", Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, 309 (1-2), 37-42.

Speaker: LORENZO NERI (INFN-LNS)

PIC code.jpg

14:28 Stochastic Resonance in a Thermally Driven Low-Dimensional Geodynamo Model

Geomagnetic field reversal sequences exhibit inter-reversal, or persistence, times spanning a broad range, from a few 10⁴ years to superchrons lasting more than 10⁷ years. Statistical analyses show that the reversal sequence does not follow a simple Poisson process with a constant rate and displays signatures of memory, clustering, and heavy-tailed behaviour. Short persistence times display irregular fluctuations consistent with chaotic dynamics, while long intervals reflect the presence of a metastable large-scale dipole state with memory or clustering component. Paleomagnetic data therefore support the interpretation of the geodynamo as a bistable system subject to internal turbulent fluctuations and possibly influenced by weak periodic components.

In this framework, we adopt a simplified low-dimensional dynamo model in which a shell model represents the turbulent convective motions driving magnetic-field generation. Bistability is introduced through a pitchfork bifurcation term in the large-scale magnetic-field equation, controlled by a parameter related to the kinetic helicity. A slow periodic modulation of this parameter, consistent with long-term variations in the heat flow across the core–mantle boundary (CMB), reproduces the key signatures of stochastic resonance, a mechanism proposed to explain the statistical properties of geomagnetic field reversals.

Our results highlight the combined roles of thermal forcing, helicity variations, and turbulence in shaping dipole variability, providing new insights into the physical origin of geomagnetic reversal statistics and, more generally, magnetic-field variability in planetary dynamos.

Speaker: Giuseppina Nigro (Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Roma Tor Vergata)

14:29 Evolution of the physical properties of interplanetary CME-driven shocks from multi-spacecraft observations

Coronal mass ejections (CME)-driven shocks are the most efficient accelerators of gradual solar energetic particles (SEPs), which pose risks to technological infrastructure and human activity in space. Knowing the physical properties of expanding shocks is critical in order to prevent SEPs hazard and to understand their impact to the near-Earth environment. However, a thorough picture on how the properties of shocks evolve from the corona to the heliosphere remains poorly constrained.
We present a study of a unique event, a shock driven by a circumsolar CME on 2023 March 13, observed from multiple spacecraft, using both remote sensing observations from STEREO-A/COR2 and in-situ data from Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and Wind. We focused on the determination of some key parameters, such as the density compression ratio and the Alfvénic Mach number. The analysis of remote-sensing data has required advanced modelling of the 3D geometry of the observed shock complemented by raytracing simulation of the Thomson scattered emission, which was compared with the brightness measured from STEREO-A/COR2.
Following the evolution of the parameters, we have found that closer to the Sun, both the density compression ratio and the Alfvénic Mach number remain almost constant, while they increase at larger radial distances. These results highlight a non-trivial evolution of the properties of shocks during their journey throughout the interplanetary medium, with implications for SEP acceleration and space-weather forecasting.

Speaker: Giuseppe Nisticò (Dipartimento di Fisica, Università della Calabria)

14:30 Magnetic Reconnection as a Means to Advanced High Specific Impulse Plasma Thrusters

Magnetic reconnection (MR) offers a potential pathway toward high–specific impulse plasma acceleration for advanced electric propulsion. We present ongoing work on an MR-based thruster concept in which multiple flux ropes are generated by hollow cathodes inside a magnetized discharge chamber and guided by a set of coaxial coils. The aim is to exploit kink-unstable dynamics and the associated energy conversion to accelerate plasma.

High-resolution 3D MHD simulations have recently been initiated to analyze flux-rope formation, early nonlinear evolution, and the conditions that may lead to kink instability. The efforts focus on validating the electromagnetic configuration and mapping current channels and magnetic-field gradients.

Initial experimental results from Langmuir probes and retarding potential analyzers are discussed. These findings lay the groundwork for future studies targeting the onset of kink instability and, eventually, MR-driven acceleration.

Speaker: Nicola Orsini (University of Pisa)

Magnetic Reconnection as a Means to Advanced High Specific Impulse Plasma Thrusters.docx

14:31 X-ray polarimetry of young supernova remnants: diagnostics of magnetic amplification and plasma turbulence at collision-less shocks

Young supernova remnants (SNRs) are natural laboratories where collision-less shock physics, magnetic-field amplification, and particle acceleration operate under plasma conditions inaccessible on Earth.
Thanks to imaging X-ray polarimetry, IXPE provides, for the first time, a direct probe of the magnetic-field geometry and turbulence level within the narrow synchrotron rims that trace the highest-energy electrons, thereby sampling the plasma conditions at the particle-acceleration sites.
IXPE observations of Cas A, Tycho, SN 1006, RX J1713.7−3946, and Vela Jr. reveal systematically measurable X-ray polarization degrees and orientations, varying with shock speed, ambient density, and magnetic-field strength.
These results establish a tight link between observables—polarization degree and angle, as well as spatial scales—and plasma processes behind particle acceleration such as Bell instability growth, turbulent cascades, and magnetic-field re-orientation across the shock.
We summarize the empirical IXPE constraints and discuss how polarimetric diagnostics is fundamental in the context of particle acceleration (turbulence spectrum, coherence length, Bohm factor, and post-shock magnetic-field amplification) that is becoming most complex, most data we collect.

Speaker: Simone Pagliarella (INAF - IAPS)

14:32 Short-Timescale Variability in the Relativistic Jet Plasma of Bright Blazar 3C 454.3 from Optical–Gamma Correlations

The study of astrophysical plasma in relativistic jets provides a unique laboratory for exploring high-energy particle acceleration and radiative processes. We investigate the multi-wavelength variability of blazar 3C 454.3, one of the most active extragalactic AGNs, monitored by the AGILE and Fermi satellites since 2007. In leptonic jet-emission scenarios, the optical emission arises from synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons, while the gamma-ray component is produced through inverse-Compton scattering. We analyze the flaring behaviour in the optical and GeV bands, their correlations (or lack thereof), and variability on sub-day (6–12 hr) timescales.
The data reveal complex variations in the optical–gamma correlation index and in the Compton dominance across flares. The presence of multiple flare classes challenges existing emission models, indicating that flaring activity cannot be explained solely by changes in particle injection but reflects evolving physical conditions within the emitting plasma.
These results underscore the importance of 3C 454.3 for understanding the properties and temporal evolution of relativistic jets and particle acceleration in astrophysical plasmas.

Speaker: Gabriele Panebianco (INAF/OAS Bologna)

Poster_CIP26_Panebianco.pdf

14:33 Modeling the solar wind turbulent cascade over four full decades with Hall-MHD Box-in-Box simulations.

Plasma turbulence is an inherently multi-scale phenomenon that spans a vast range of spatial and temporal scales. In the solar wind, the inertial-range turbulent cascade extends over nearly four decades in length (from injection scales down to ion characteristic scales), and six decades when including electron characteristic scales. Being able to self-consistently simulate such a dynamics is nowadays computationally impossible, even in two dimensions. Here we present the multi-scale Box-in-Box (BiB) method, an innovative framework we developed to model the plasma dynamics over a massive range of scales. The method hierarchically couples several simulations: the turbulent energy cascade is firstly simulated at very large scales by means of a classic MHD description, then a selected subdoimain (box) of the large simulation is used as initial condition for a second simulation with higher resolution. This procedure can be repeated multiple times in sequence, possibly embedding increasingly complex plasma models (MHD, hybrid, and fully kinetic). As a proof-of-concept, we show results of a BIB simulation that reproduce the spectral properties of solar wind turbulence over more than four decades, from the outer correlation scale down to sub-ion scales, by coupling one MHD simulation and two Hall-MHD simulations. The BiB approach preserves key turbulent features, such as the cross-scale energy transfer, while reducing the computational costs by roughly ten thousand times. This methodology opens new pathways for addressing fundamental questions in space and astrophysical plasmas, enabling self-consistent exploration of turbulence across a range of scales that were previously concurrently inaccessible.

Speaker: Emanuele Papini (INAF, Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali)

14:34 The influence of magnetic turbulence in the energetic particle response at interplanetary shocks

The problem of particle acceleration at interplanetary (IP) shocks is long-standing, since several unresolved issues are still debated, pushing the research on this field
to jointly explore spacecraft in-situ observations, numerical simulations, and analytical models.
In this work, we analyze several shock crossings by spacecraft in the interplanetary space in order to link the shock and the energetic particle flux properties to the magnetic field turbulence upstream of the shock (namely within the unshocked region). Here a mixture of pre-existing and possible self-generated turbulence induced by the back-streaming motion of energetic particles influences the particle transport and then the acceleration efficiency.
We evaluate the amplitude of magnetic field fluctuations at the scale of non-thermal particles both close to the shock, where self-generated turbulence is expected to dominate, and far upstream, where the particle motion is basically mediated by pre-existing turbulence. Such parameters will be related to the shock compression ratio and to the shock Mach numbers as well as to the particle differential energy spectra. A comparison with an analytical model, based on the transport equation, developed by Ha 2025 will be made and discussed.

Speaker: Silvia Perri (Università della Calabria)

14:35 Turbulence and kinetic effects in the solar wind: Solar Orbiter measurements and numerical Vlasov-Maxwell simulations

Turbulence in plasmas involves a complex cross-scale coupling of fields and distortions of particle velocity distributions, with the generation of non-thermal features. How the energy contained in the large-scale fluctuations cascades all the way down to the kinetic scales, and how such turbulence interacts with particles, remains one of the major unsolved problems in plasma physics. Moreover, solar wind turbulence is not homogeneous but is highly space-localized and the degree of non-homogeneity increases as the spatial/time scales decrease (intermittency).
Here, by means of new measurements by Solar Orbiter, the radial nature of the turbulent magnetic fluctuations around ion scales during the expansion of the wind, has been investigated. The ion scales appear to be characterized by the presence of non-compressive coherent structures, such as current sheets, vortex-like structures, and wave packets identified as ion cyclotron modes, responsible for solar wind intermittency and strongly related to the energy dissipation. Particle energization, temperature anisotropy, and strong deviation from Maxwellian, have been observed in and near coherent structures, both in in-situ data and numerical simulations. Furthermore, kinetic effects for both protons and alpha particles have been studied in presence of switchbacks, large deflections of the magnetic field which occur simultaneously with a sudden increase in the radial solar wind velocity. Very interestingly we observe a clear correlation between switchbacks and alpha particle temperature, but not with proton temperature, suggesting a role of magnetic field deflections in preferentially heating heavy ions. Finally, we investigate kinetic features in a multi-component turbulent plasma by means of Vlasov-Maxwell simulations.
Understanding the physical mechanisms that produce coherent structures and how they contribute to dissipation in collisionless plasma will provide key insights into the general problem of solar wind heating.

Speaker: Denise Perrone (ASI - Agenzia Spaziale Italiana)

14:36 The Interaction of a Supernova Remnant with background interstellar turbulence

Supernovae explosions (SNe) are among the most energetic events in
the Universe. They represent an instantaneous release of energy of about 10$^{51}$ erg, associated to the catastrophic collapse of a massive star or to a runaway nuclear burning on the surface of a white dwarf. Following the explosion, the ejected material expands into the interstellar medium (ISM), forming a Supernova Remnant (SNR).
Shocks generated by expanding SNRs are widely recognized as the main
sources of Galactic cosmic rays, which can reach energies up to the PeV
order. In these processes a key role is played by the magnetic field. The ISM
is turbulent, characterized by a magnetic field of about $\mu$G with
a uniform component and a fluctuating one. During its expansion the SNR
shock interacts with a turbulent environment and, as a consequence, the
surface of the shock can be distorted and the level of fluctuations
increase. Understanding these high-energy shocks is also important for studying the behavior of shocks within the heliosphere and the physics of particles at shocks.
We use the MHD PLUTO code in order to mimic the evolution of the blast
wave associated to the SNR into a (compressible) turbulent ISM. We perform a parametric study by varying the level of density and magnetic fluctuations, aiming to identify the best parameter values able to reproduce observations.
We introduce a novel analysis technique based on a two-dimensional
autocorrelation function C(ℓ) and on a second-order structure function S$_2$(ℓ),
which quantify the level of turbulent anisotropy and the correlation lengths.
By interpolating the autocorrelation function on a polar grid, we extract the
turbulent power spectra at the SNR shock. Finally, we present a preliminary
comparison with Chandra X-ray observations of SN 1006.
This work is supported by the Space It Up project funded by the Italian Space Agency, ASI, and the Ministry of University and Research, MUR, under Contract No. 2024-5-E.0 - CUP No. I53D24000060005.

Speaker: Giuseppe Prete (Dipartimento di Fisica, UNICAL)

14:37 Particle acceleration in high energy astrophysical plasmas: the interplay of multiple mechanisms.

Space and Astrophysical plasmas such as the solar corona, pulsar magnetospheres and winds, act as efficient particle accelerators, with magnetic reconnection, turbulence and shocks, often operating in concert.

In this work we address the microphysics of a multiple current sheet reconnection and particle acceleration, by following turbulence development in a relativistic astrophysical framework. We perform 2D PIC simulations of a pair plasma, including synchrotron cooling and emission.

After an initial phase of reconnection, plasmoids from neighboring sheets merge, driving the formation of new current layers and triggering a transition to a turbulent regime. Energy cascades across a hierarchy of spatial scales with a Kolmogorov-like spectrum, reaching the dissipation range where particles undergo secondary energization and strong synchrotron cooling, produce intermittent radiative bursts.

This result is particularly relevant to pulsar striped winds, physically motivating injection conditions for models of further acceleration at the pulsar wind termination shock.

Speaker: Fulvia Pucci

14:38 Schur Decomposition of Magnetic and Velocity Gradient Tensors in Space Plasmas

The study of the statistics of gradient tensors’ invariants is useful to characterize the morphological and topological features of magnetic flux and plasma streamlines in turbulent space plasmas. In the recent past some studies of the statistics of the gradient tensors’ invariants have been performed to investigate the velocity and magnetic field flow lines topologies in turbulent heliospheric plasmas, thanks to the availability of multipoint space missions. Here, we present a novel/complementary approach to the characterization of the gradient tensor properties of velocity and magnetic field in plasmas based on Schur’s decomposition of the field gradient tensors. This decomposition can be seen as alternative to the standard decomposition into symmetric and skew-symmetric components allowing for a decomposition of gradients into normal/local and non-normal/non-local contributions, separating eigenvalue and ideal pressure terms from the deviatoric pressure Hessian and dissipative ones. We show an application of this method to observations of real data from the NASA-MMS space mission in the solar wind and in the magnetosheath region.

Speaker: Virgilio Quattrociocchi (INAF-Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali, Roma, Italy)

14:39 Unified Superstatistical Modeling of Non-Thermal Velocity Distributions and Velocity-Space Cascades in Space Plasmas.

Non-equilibrium velocity distributions with enhanced suprathermal tails are ubiquitous in space plasmas and are commonly described using kappa-type distributions. However, multiple kappa formulations coexist in the literature, leading to ambiguity in the definition of temperature and thermodynamic parameters and complicating their physical interpretation.
In this work, we present a unified framework in which all kappa velocity distributions naturally emerge from superstatistics. By assuming that the inverse temperature fluctuates according to a gamma distribution, we derive a generalized non-equilibrium velocity distribution that recovers standard kappa forms as limiting cases and provides a direct physical interpretation of the kappa parameter in terms of temperature fluctuations. We further introduce a complementary, moment-based formulation that reproduces the same non-thermal features without invoking a temperature definition, thereby resolving long-standing ambiguities in out-of-equilibrium plasma modeling.
As an application of this framework, we explore its implications for velocity-space cascades in weakly collisional plasmas. Projecting the superstatistical distribution onto a Hermite basis, we derive analytical expressions for the Hermite coefficients and the associated velocity-space spectrum. The resulting spectrum exhibits power-law behavior at large Hermite indices, with amplitudes controlled by superstatistical parameters, while the spectral slope remains largely insensitive to them. This indicates that temperature intermittency alone cannot account for the velocity-space cascades observed in fully developed turbulence, pointing to the role of additional nonlinear phase-space dynamics.
Our results provide a coherent theoretical foundation for non-thermal velocity distributions and offer an analytical baseline for interpreting velocity-space spectra in spacecraft observations and kinetic simulations. This framework opens the door to future extensions incorporating nonlinear effects and to systematic comparisons with MMS and Solar Orbiter data, as well as hybrid-Vlasov and PIC models.

Speaker: Abiam Tamburrini (UNICAL)

Abstract_CIP_Tamburrini[59].docx

14:40 Plasma modelling of non-reactive and reactive HiPIMS discharges for tungsten deposition

Ionized Physical Vapour Deposition (iPVD) is a key plasma-based technology used across several sectors, from semiconductor manufacturing to protective coatings and energy applications [1]. Among iPVD methods, High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) is particularly attractive due to the peculiar plasma conditions it generates, enabling dense, adherent and finely structured coatings [2]. Its ability to produce a highly ionized metal flux, achieved with minimal hardware changes compared to conventional DC Magnetron Sputtering (DCMS), makes HiPIMS a powerful but inherently complex plasma system, where many transient physical mechanisms are still not fully understood.
In this context, plasma modelling is an essential tool to interpret experiments, disentangle coupled physical processes and support process optimisation [2]. Analytical and numerical models allow access to quantities that are challenging or impossible to measure experimentally, such as species densities, fluxes and reaction rates. In low-temperature plasma environments, where diagnostics are often limited by resolution, perturbation effects or temporal constraints, simulations provide unique insight and help reduce the number of experimental trials needed during design and optimisation [3].
This work aims to deepen the understanding of non-reactive and reactive HiPIMS plasma discharges for tungsten deposition. The discharge behaviour was investigated using the Ionization Region Model (IRM), a volume-averaged global plasma model developed for HiPIMS [2,4]. The model was extended to include reactive processes involving nitrogen, enabling the study of plasma-assisted tungsten nitride formation under reactive conditions [5]. For all discharge types, the IRM was applied to track the temporal evolution of key plasma parameters (e.g., species concentrations, ionization degree and electron energy) while quantifying internal mechanisms including ionization dynamics, metal-ion back-attraction and working-gas rarefaction. The results highlight how nitrogen addition reshapes discharge chemistry, energy transfer and global plasma behaviour, ultimately influencing deposition dynamics. This approach enhances the predictive capability of HiPIMS modelling and provides valuable insights for optimising process parameters in the deposition of tungsten-based metallic and compound coatings.

[1] Helmersson U. et al., Thin Solid Films 513, 2006

[2] Lundin D. et al., “High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering: Fundamentals, Technologies, Challenges and Applications”, Elsevier, 2020.

[3] Gudmundsson J. T., Plasma Sources Science and Technology 29, 2020

[4] Vavassori D. et al, Surface and Coatings Technology 458, 2023

[5] Bana L. et al., Surface and Coatings Technology 514, 2025

Speaker: Davide Vavassori (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy)

Vavassori_abstract.docx

14:41 Pair luminosity and cooling of newborn strange star

It was shown that pair luminosity of the newborn strange star with temperature of $10^{10}$ K may be as high as $10^{52}$ erg/s. The question remains: can a strange star maintain such a high surface temperature for a long time? To answer this question we studied thermal evolution of newborn strange star taking into account thermal conductivity of free quarks and neutrino emission by the URCA process. Our results show that extremely high luminosity due to the Schwinger process and insufficient thermal conductivity of quarks leads to development of steep temperature gradient at the surface of strange star. As a result, the temperature at the surface and hence its luminosity decreases as a power law, reaching $10^{43}$ erg/s at 100 seconds. This result holds even in the presence of neutrinosphere.

Speaker: Gregory Vereshchagin (ICRANet)

14:42 Non-linear Langmuir wave study in a small-scale laboratory plasma, a model for solar wind

A small-scale laboratory experiment has been realized for the investigation of Langmuir waves excitation in a weakly ionized plasma. A beam-plasma instability is induced through the acceleration of a supra-thermal electron population (electron beam) in a background cold plasma. A system of closely spaced antennas and a multichannel high-frequency data acquisition system allows the characterization of the dispersion relation even in small (of the order of the mm) wavelength regimes.
We show that the experimental results, complemented by dedicated Vlasov–Poisson kinetic simulations, well reproduce the onset and nonlinear evolution of beam-driven Langmuir waves with close similarities with in-situ observations in the solar wind by the Parker Solar Probe diagnostics.
Above a threshold electron beam energy, Langmuir wavepackets develop with a clear non-linear behavior, which also characterizes spacecraft electrostatic waveforms. The experimental dispersion relations align with theoretical Bohm–Gross prediction.
Due to the low ionization fraction, the dynamics of the plasma under investigation is dominated by electron-neutral collisions, whose characteristic frequency is orders of magnitude lower than those associated to Langmuir waves. This allows to consider the plasma in the laboratory a relevant model for the collisionless condition of the solar wind.

Acknowledgments: The high frequency (3GHz) multichannel data acquisition system exploited in the experiment is planned to be used in the RFX-mod2 device through the NEFERTARI project within the framework of Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
This work has been carried out in the framework of the Joint Bilateral Agreement project “Multi-scale electrostatic energisation of plasmas: comparison of collective processes in laboratory and space” between the Royal Society (UK) and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy).

Speaker: matteo zuin

Abstract Zuin CIP 2026.pdf

15:40 → 17:00 Sessione del pomeriggio 5 febbraio 2026

15:40 Advances on Laser-Plasma-Interaction Diagnostics for Inertial Confinement Fusion and Particle Acceleration

The development of advanced diagnostic techniques is crucial for understanding complex physics at the base of laser-plasma interaction at high energy and intensity. The extreme conditions generated during these experiments, characterized by ultra-intense fields, evolving plasmas, and broadband radiation emission, pose significant challenges for diagnostics, requiring innovative approaches to get measurements useful to interpret the underlying physics and control the interaction process. This is particularly true for example in advanced Direct-Drive (DD) schemes of ICF or in most laser-driven particle acceleration schemes.
In ENEA, we have long historical experience on fusion, laser-generated plasmas and radiation (both electromagnetic emissions and accelerated particles), and related diagnostics. The characterization of laser-generated plasmas and of the associated radiation is a crucial aspect for ongoing research on ICF, laser-plasma acceleration and on application of laser-plasmas to a multidisciplinary range of different areas, such as medical studies and material science. Tailored diagnostics are the key for enabling optimization and control of the laser-plasma interaction mechanisms, since they provide feedback for operating on the development of suitable advanced targets.
This presentation will provide an overview of the main results achieved in recent years by our ENEA group, in collaboration with both national and international research teams, with focus on innovations and specific requirements posed by these particular fields of application. Recent advancements in diagnostic instrumentation and data analysis methods will be discussed. In our work, we paid particular attention to the high repetition rate regime of operation, fundamental for future ICF reactors and particle acceleration facilities, the high sensitivity of the diagnostic instruments and the broad energy range that they are capable of analyzing, important for getting deeper insight in the physics of laser-matter interaction in advanced DD-ICF schemes, like Shock Ignition and Fast Ignition, in particle acceleration schemes and also for the characterization of low-yield laser-triggered nuclear fusion reactions, such as p-11B. These features put these diagnostic methodologies well beyond the state-of-the-art, and enhance their role in advancing the frontiers of plasma physics knowledge, pushing beyond our understanding of plasma processes.

Speaker: Francesco Filippi (ENEA)

20260205_CIP_Filippi.pdf

Abstract_Filippi.pdf

16:10 From plasma physics to electric propulsion: magnetic reconnection for future space thrusters

Recent advances in the space sector have led to new improvements in propulsion capabilities for the next generation space missions. Foreseen interplanetary missions such as the Cislunar space stations, cargo missions to Mars, and possibly human exploration of Mars call for novel, more advanced propulsion systems, with Electric Propulsion (EP) systems playing a significant role in this scenario [1], given their high efficiency combined with lower propellant consumption.
Mission energy demands (delta-V) are increasing, requiring propulsion systems with high exhaust velocities to minimize propellant consumption. Specific impulse (Isp), defined as thrust-to-propellant weight flow ratio, is a key performance metric, with higher Isp indicating greater exhaust velocity. Additionally, high thrust levels are essential for reducing maneuver time and propellant usage. EP has been considered for high delta-V missions since the mid-20th century. The most common systems include electrostatic accelerators like ion and Hall thrusters, with Isp between 2000-4000s limited by the electric field strength.
In light of what has been said, it is evident that next-generation space missions would require low-weight thrusters with higher thrust and specific impulse to obtain the required delta-V.
The current strategy to develop a thruster with higher levels of thrust and specific impulse involves the scaling up process of notable conventional electric propulsion. However, this strategy poses a serious problem: the scaling laws towards high power and high thrust engines depend mostly on increasing the thruster footprint. Therefore, developing a thruster for very high-power applications will impact the spacecraft overall dimensions and weight.
The advanced studies in the field of electric propulsion then have mostly focused on innovative and possibly groundbreaking concepts capable of overcoming the current limits of the state-of-art.
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in developing an innovative thruster based on magnetic reconnection (MR) as main acceleration mechanism [2]. MR is a common phenomenon in space and laboratory plasmas [3]. It occurs in solar flares, planetary magnetospheres, jets from active galactic nuclei, neutron stars, laser-plasma interactions, astrophysical dynamos, and toroidal plasmas in fusion experiments. It releases magnetic energy, converting it into kinetic and thermal energy, accelerating particles to non-thermal velocities and generating waves and turbulence. Harnessing this mechanism, observed in natural phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, offers a way to produce high-power plasma jets for spacecraft propulsion. Magnetic reconnection, involving the breaking and reconnecting of antiparallel magnetic field lines, has potential as a main acceleration mechanism, although prior attempts to use it for space thrusters have been limited.
In this contribution, we present the work performed at University of Pisa and Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the field of magnetic reconnection thruster [4], showing the different approaches undertaken to conceptualize the thruster, and the methodology adopted to verify its functionality.
In particular, we have been investigating the plasma generated by multiple flux ropes, and the MR phenomena obtained by the flux ropes collision when affected by the kink instability. The MR event within this setup accelerates the ions primarily in the radial and axial direction, from which we can obtain a net thrust at the exit of the thruster. Preliminary estimations highlight how the effective specific impulse from this concept can be as high as 10000s.
Reference:
[1] Levchenko, Igor, Dan M. Goebel, and Kateryna Bazaka. "Electric propulsion of spacecraft." Physics Today 75.9 (2022): 38-44.
[2] Ebrahimi, F., “An Alfvenic reconnecting plasmoid thruster,” Journal of Plasma Physics, Vol. 86, No. 6, 2020, p. 905860614. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377820001476.
[3] Hesse, M., & Cassak, P. A. (2020). Magnetic reconnection in the space sciences: Past, present, and future. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 125(2), e2018JA025935.
[4] Becatti, G. & Herdrich, G. (2024, May). Magnetic reconnection based thruster for high specific impulses space missions. In 9th Space Propulsion Conference (SP2024_484).

Speaker: Giulia Becatti (University of Pisa)

CIP2026_Becatti.pdf

CIP2026_Becatti.pptx

16:40 Simulation of Low Temperature, Weakly Ionized Plasmas with applications to electric power industry

Partial discharges (PDs) are among the main degenerative phenomena affecting electrical components in power networks. Several configurations can lead to PDs (Corona, Dielectric Barrier Discharges, Surface Discharges, etc); however, their key ingredients typically include the formation of a low-temperature, weakly ionized plasma, caused by a strong electric field, that interacts with a dielectric material. The interaction between the plasma and the primary insulating material (usually a polymer) causes ageing and depolymerization of the material. When PDs occur within an insulating material, they can promote the propagation of internal defects through a phenomenon known as electrical treeing, which may eventually result in the failure of the electrical component.
Simulation plays a major role in this field. In this work, we highlight some features of the most commonly used hydrodynamic models that make them challenging to solve from a numerical standpoint. We also discuss a few strategies that can be employed to reduce the computational burden. Other key aspects include the multi-scale and multi-physics nature of plasma–polymer interactions, for which we briefly present possible modelling approaches.
Finally, we provide an outlook on future work that may ultimately enable the simulation of electrical treeing and PD phenomena within this framework.

Speaker: Andrea Barbareschi Villa (RSE - Ricerca Sul Sistema Energetico)

abstract.pdf

presentazioneVilla.pptx

17:00 → 18:30 Tavolo progettuale Beam Plasma and Inertial Fusion

Obiettivo:
Analisi dello stato dell’arte e delle prospettive di sviluppo della fusione a confinamento inerziale, con particolare attenzione alle principali linee progettuali attualmente in corso e in fase di pianificazione.
Il tavolo affronterà inoltre i recenti sviluppi della fisica beam–plasma e dell’accelerazione di particelle in interazioni laser–plasma, discutendone il potenziale impatto sia come strumenti diagnostici sia come tecnologie abilitanti per applicazioni HEDP (High Energy Density Physics) e ICF (Inertial Confinement Fusion).
Il tavolo intende inoltre esplorare le opportunità di cooperazione scientifica e di sostegno finanziario a livello nazionale e internazionale, nonché il ruolo crescente delle aziende e delle iniziative private nel contesto della ricerca, dello sviluppo tecnologico e del trasferimento industriale.

Metodo:
Il tavolo si aprirà con una breve presentazione introduttiva del contesto, a cura del coordinatore, seguita da una tavola rotonda dedicata alla discussione di temi e criticità specifiche legate alla fusione a confinamento inerziale.
La platea sarà coinvolta in modo quanto più attivo possibile, favorendo un’interazione diretta tra relatori e partecipanti.
I temi di discussione saranno anticipati ai partecipanti tramite un sondaggio online, attraverso il quale sarà anche possibile proporre ulteriori argomenti di interesse, che verranno poi inclusi nel dibattito nel corso del tavolo.

Partecipanti al tavolo
Coordinatore: G. A Pablo Cirrone (INFN-LNS, IT)
Deputy: F Consoli (ENEA, IT)

Stefano Atzeni (FOCUSED Energy, DE)
Dimitri Batani (University of Bordeaux, FR)
Marco Borghesi (Queen's University, UK)
Enrica Chiadroni (Univ. Sapienza, IT)
Alessandro Cianchi (Univ. Tor Vergata, IT)
Massimo Ferrario (INFN-LNF, IT)
Leonida Gizzi (INO-CNR, IT)
Alessandro Maffini (Politecnico Milano, IT)
Daniele Margarone (ELI-ERIC, CZ)
Mauro Migliorati (Univ. Sapienza, IT)
Alessio Morace (Osaka University, JP, CZ)
Andrea Mostacci (Univ. Sapienza, IT)
Matteo Passoni (Politecnico Milano, IT)
Luca Volpe (Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, ES)

17:00 → 18:30 Tavolo progettuale tematico Magnetic Confinement Fusion Plasmas

Tavolo progettuale:
Magnetic Confinement Fusion Plasmas: Collaborative Efforts and Key Initiative
Obiettivo: Panoramica sulle iniziative e sui progetti presenti e futuri, con particolare attenzione alle
possibilità di attivare collaborazioni e accedere a opportunità di finanziamento in diversi contesti
nazionali e internazionali.
Metodo: 5 panelist che avranno 10 minuti di tempo di esposizione.
40 minuti di contributi liberi, domande e dibattito
Panelist (ambito prevalente):
Nicola Vianello (EUROfusion)
Paola Batistoni (Partnership pubblico-private in ambito EUROfusion)
Franco Porcelli (Cina)
Francesco Romanelli (DTT)
Francesco Pegoraro (Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei)
Moderatrice: Olga De Pascale

CIP-26-Peg.pdf

Italia-Cina cooperazione.pdf

Vianello-Tavolo-Progettuale-CiP-26.pdf

Friday 6 February

09:00 → 10:20 Sessione della mattina 6 febbraio 2026, 1/2

09:00 Theory and simulation of phase space transport in burning plasmas

Burning plasmas in fusion reactors are complex systems where energetic particles (EP) play a fundamental role in cross-scale interactions [1]. This study reviews phase space zonal structures (PSZS) [2-5] and their significance in transport analyses. Using synthetic diagnostics from the HMGC and ORB5 codes [6,7], we illustrate the role of PSZS in capturing transport dynamics in burning plasmas Gyrokinetic simulations accurately. While transport studies assume Maxwellian equilibria, for EPs and burning plasmas in general, a more comprehensive description is needed to capture self-organization processes. By deriving governing equations for PSZS using multi-scale perturbation theory, we can model modifications of the equilibrium caused by resonant interactions. This approach allows us to recover standard transport equations in the proper limit.

A new phase space transport workflow called ATEP [8] is proposed to accurately describe PSZS dynamics. This workflow enables us to restart Global Gyrokinetic codes from PSZS distributions, extending simulations over long time scales without assuming a model distribution function. By comparing global gyrokinetic simulation results, e.g, from ORB5, and ATEP we effectively construct a hierarchical approach for PSZS evolution. Additionally, we introduce the Dyson-Schrödinger model (DSM) [9] in the hierarchy of transport models, filling the gap between ORB5 and ATEP. A numerical workflow [10] based on the PEANUTS suite of codes is presented to solve DSM.

[1] L. Chen and F. Zonca, Reviews of Modern Physics 88, 015008 (2016).
[2] F. Zonca et al., New Journal of Physics 17, 013052 (2015).
[3] F. Zonca et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 57, 014024 (2015).
[4] M. V. Falessi and F. Zonca, Physics of Plasmas 26, 022305 (2019).
[5] M. V. Falessi, L. Chen, Z. Qiu, and F. Zonca, New Journal of Physics 25, 123035 (2023).
[6] S. Briguglio et al., Physics of Plasmas 21, 112301 (2014).
[7] A. Bottino et al., Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2397, 012019 (2023).
[8] P. Lauber et al., Nuclear Fusion 64, 096010 (2024).
[9] F. Zonca et al., Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1785, 012005 (2021).
[10] G. Wei et al., Physics of Plasmas 31, 072505 (2024).

Speaker: matteo Valerio falessi (Center for Nonlinear Plasma Science and C.R. ENEA Frascati, Frascati, Italy)

cip_2026_slides.pptx

09:30 Plasma start-up in tokamaks: experimental studies and modelling

Plasma start-up is a critical phase in tokamak operation and becomes particularly challenging in superconducting devices such as ITER, where the low toroidal electric field (E ∼ 0.3 V m⁻¹), stray poloidal fields, and residual impurities constrain ohmic initiation and can result in either breakdown failure or radiation-limited burn-through. Electron Cyclotron (EC) waves can mitigate these limitations by providing localized pre-ionization, assisting burn-through, and facilitating the initial current formation.
This contribution reviews recent experimental and numerical results from the CNR-ISTP group. Early studies on FTU addressed fundamental aspects of plasma formation [1], while investigations on TCV and ASDEX Upgrade [2] expanded these insights. On JT-60SA [3], the largest superconducting tokamak in operation prior to ITER, the effects of Trapped Particle Configurations (TPCs) and Field Null Configurations (FNCs) on EC-assisted start-up were explored, highlighting the role of magnetic topology in breakdown dynamics and burn-through efficiency. Complementary numerical modelling provides a basis for interpreting these results and extrapolating them to ITER [4], accounting for the influence of impurities, EC assistance, and electromagnetic constraints, thereby supporting the robust design of start-up scenarios.

Reference:

[1] G. Granucci et al 2015 Nucl. Fusion 55 093025
[2] Ricci D, EPJ Web Conf. 277 02001
[3] T. Wakatsuki et al 2024 Nucl. Fusion 64 104003
[4] X. Litaudon et al 2024 Nucl. Fusion 64 112006

Speaker: Daria Ricci (CNR-ISTP)

Ricci_CIP2026.pdf

10:00 MHD simulations of expanding magnetic clouds in a turbulent interplanetary plasma: virtual spacecraft analysis of magnetic cloud coherence and structure

Magnetic clouds are multi-scale structures: coronal flux ropes evolve to become as wide as 0.2 AU near the Earth; their magnetic fields vary on scales smaller than their average size, and present turbulent fluctuations. We perform high resolution 2.5D MHD simulations to study a magnetic flux rope cross section in the expanding solar wind together with turbulence: we investigate how turbulence and expansion impact the magnetic cloud coherence, using virtual spacecraft. The flux rope cross section expands at large scales due to the solar wind flow and to internal magnetic forces, whereas turbulence distorts, deflects, and reshapes the plasma at intermediate and small scales. We find that magnetic cloud coherence is dominated by expansion and internal magnetic forces: clear and stable signatures are present inside the flux rope core; turbulence becomes effective when magnetic tension is weak, and mixed signatures appear at the flux rope edges. Fast expansion implies a more elongated cross section: magnetic cloud signatures encountered across a wider angle. Strong turbulence can produce a more asymmetric and distorted cross section: different plasma profiles appear at different angles. Mixed signatures at the edges depend mainly on how well magnetic tension bounds the flux rope field, and they disappear for narrow flux ropes. Implication of such study of the forthcoming HENON mission will be discussed.

Speaker: Simone Landi (Università di Firenze)

frascati2026._LANDI.pptx

frascati2026_LANDI.pdf

10:20 → 10:40 Pausa caffè

10:40 → 11:30 Sessione della mattina 6 febbraio 2026, 2/2

10:40 Energy conversion and dissipation in nearly-collisionless, turbulent space and astrophysical plasmas

Space and astrophysical plasmas are non-equilibrium systems. Turbulence is the most prominent phenomenon bridging the vast separation between large energy-containing scales and small kinetic scales. At these scales, diverse kinetic mechanisms, ranging from wave-particle interactions to micro-instabilities and magnetic reconnection, contribute to the conversion of energy between the electromagnetic field and the plasma, eventually leading to energy dissipation, plasma heating, and particle energization. Owing to the typically weak collisionality, energy conversion occurs in the entire six-dimensional phase space, giving rise to distorted non-thermal velocity distribution functions. This also implies that kinetic models are needed to fully understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for energy conversion and dissipation in space and astrophysical plasmas.

In this talk, I will outline (some of) the most significant open questions tackled within the community in the last years, highlighting the synergy between in-situ observations and numerical simulations and the methodologies and outcomes. In particular, I will introduce the concept of phase-space turbulence, in which the production of phase-space disturbances in the plasma distribution function at different scales is envisioned as phase-space cascade processes. Finally, I will comment on the "thermodynamics" of nearly-collisionless plasmas, aka on the tension between the formal reversibility of many energy conversion mechanisms and the need for restoring irreversibility in nearly-reversible systems.

Speaker: Oreste Pezzi (CNR-ISTP)

PEZZI_CIP.pdf

11:10 The Trapped Electrons Experiment T-REX

Gyrotrons are essential devices for electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) in magnetic fusion reactors, and need to deliver MW-level power continuously and reliably. However, experiments have revealed that undesired trapped electrons in the magnetron injection gun (MIG) region, can cause to internal damages due to arcs, and large electron currents that its power supplies cannot withstand. Currently, tight manufacturing tolerances are required for the MIG geometry [1], making their manufacturing costly. Understanding the physical principles behind such phenomena could allow relaxing these tolerances. To address this, we have a novel and unique plasma experiment named "the TRapped Electrons eXperiment" (T-REX) has been established at the Swiss Plasma Center of EPFL. It is designed to investigate the physics of trapped electron clouds in gyrotron MIGs [2].
T-REX can replicates the electric and magnetic fields and geometries of a MIG, and it is supported by 3D Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations with the FENNECS code [3–6]. The T-REX setup is composed by two coaxial electrodes - with a specific geometry that ensures the formation of trapping potential wells - installed in a vacuum chamber sitting on top of a superconducting magnet. The central electrode is biased to negative DC voltages and the outer one is at ground, creating a radial electric field up to 2MV/m and an axial magnetic field B < 0.4T. This setup mimics the principle of Penning-Malmberg traps. The electron cloud forms spontaneously once a certain voltage threshold is reached. The electrons are trapped in the potential well and rotate azimuthally very fast due to the ExB leading to the creation of even more electrons by ionizing the residual neutral gas. The T-REX experiment is equipped with multiple diagnostics. Currently, time-resolved (kHz) current measurements of the main experiment components are performed, as well as optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to attempt extracting local electric and magnetic field via Stark and Zeeman effects. Also available is streak camera imaging (GHz) to observe cloud dynamics. Finally, a system of 32 planar current probes has been installed at the top of the electrodes assembly to measure radial and azimuthal electrons distribution, but also to detect fast rotating structures, having 3-7 probes with a cutoff frequency of 1 GHz, and the remaining in the 100s of kHz to still measure plasma oscillations. Currently, we have remarkable agreement between experiments and simulations in terms of the magnitude of the observed currents and the threshold in E and B fields for the spontaneous formation of the electron cloud. We also found that 3D simulations are required to fully simulate the physics of trapped electron clouds in coaxial geometries. In particular, we found the crucial role of the diocotron instability, as it directly influences the spatial repartition of the currents and their bursty dynamics. The results of T-REX and FENNECS provide new understanding on nonneutral plasmas in conditions mimicking those of a real gyrotron MIG and prepare the way to enhance gyrotron performance and reliability in fusion energy systems.

Speaker: Dr Francesco Romano (Swiss Plasma Center - EPFL)

MeasTREX.pdf

TREX_Frascati_2026.pptx

11:30 → 12:30 Round table: Quale futuro?

Conducono Daniela Grasso e Matteo Passoni
In questo spazio desideriamo riflettere insieme sul percorso intrapreso nel 2023 con il workshop al FISmat. Quali obiettivi siamo riusciti a raggiungere e quali azioni future intendiamo intraprendere?
La CIP rappresenta solo un tassello di un quadro più ampio, che vorremmo affrontare collettivamente, raccogliendo idee concrete e condivise dai partecipanti.

Scaletta_QualeFuturo.pdf

12:30 → 12:35 Chiusura dei lavori