Diagnostics of a thermonuclear plasma, based on the use of nuclear reactions

Intense thermonuclear processes in future thermonuclear devices will make it possible to use fusion products for the determination of thermonuclear plasma parameters. Nuclear reactions between various plasma particles such as protons, deuterons, tritons, alpha particles and light target nuclei, are discussed from the point of view of hot plasma diagnostics. Especially the resonant radiative capture reactions are recommended for investigation of the interaction of fast alpha particles and protons with a plasma. The ion plasma temperature may be determined also from neutron-induced target activation. All the diagnostic methods mentioned are based on the spectroscopy of gamma radiation. The advantages of the gamma spectroscopic methods in comparison with conventional methods are emphasized. (J.U.)