Using advanced camera image and data analysis to address an important hurdle for magnetic fusion energy

During my undergraduate degree, at the University of Birmingham, I specialised in Particle Physics with a direct focus on simulations of the prospective detection of a Higgs Boson at a future Large Hadron Electron Collider. Compelled by the allure of the vital benefits of Nuclear Fusion, I was keen to become involved in the ongoing incredible research. I transitioned to Plasma Physics research with the help of a UROP project at Imperial College London where I worked on the DiMPl simulation code investigating dust in magnetised plasmas.

I am currently undertaking a PhD, supervised by Prof. Bruce Lipschultz, Dr. Ben Dudson and Dr. James Harrison, in continuing the development of an Integrated Data Analysis (IDA) method. The technique uses a Bayesian framework to combine a multitude of diagnostic measurements of the divertor to aid insight into this critical region of a tokamak. The aim is to apply the IDA technique to real divertor plasmas at MAST-U in order to provide comparison of various divertor configurations. These configurations theoretically offer significant improvement of heat spread at the divertor surface which is a major hurdle that must be overcome by a future Nuclear Fusion power plant.