JT-60SA achieves first plasma

National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST)/JT-60SA

JT-60SA achieved first plasma on October 23, 2023, demonstrating the world's largest operational superconducting tokamak could successfully confine plasma. The milestone verified the machine's core systems and marked the completion of the initial commissioning phase.

• First tokamak plasma in Japan since the original JT-60 shut down in 2008
• Plasma confined using superconducting coils cooled to approximately -269°C
• Official inauguration ceremony held December 1, 2023