General Atomic brings new nuclear fusion machine into operation

The OHTE (Ohmic Heating Toroidal Experiment) has been started up as an experimental facility for three years as a reactor experiment, prior to full operation. Temperatures up to 100 million degrees Kelvin are achievable. The equipment uses electrical heating by resistances in a similar principle to an electric toaster. There is a 'magnetic bottle' to develop an extremely high magnetic field in a closed circuit superconducting magnet. The diameter of the OHTE ring container is about 2 meters. About 5 million dollars has been invested in the project by General Atomic. (G.C.)