Plasma production in fusion devices

Requirements for plasma production in magnetic confinement fusion devices are described. Plasma current setup is a very important part of plasma production in some fusion devices. Critical conditions for a loop voltage are summarized. Also described are three barriers in fusion plasma production. Seeding, full ionization and reduction of radiation losses are the main tasks to be achieved in order to create a collisionless fusion plasma. Fusion plasmas must be clean. Fusion plasma production is reviewed from this viewpoint. (author)