In a significant advancement in fusion energy research, scientists have introduced Diag2Diag, an innovative artificial intelligence framework designed to enhance the understanding of fusion energy systems. Egemen Kolemen, a principal investigator at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), is the creator of Diag2Diag. This project—which he co-leads at Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering—seeks to offer more granular, systemic understanding about the trends shaping the future landscape of fusion energy systems.
This multimodal multimodal super-resolution framework that allows for more detailed analysis of plasma through the integration of sensors that measure multiple plasma characteristics to produce analyses with unmatched detail. The name “Diag2Diag” comes from the word diagnostic, and its goal of increasing diagnostic capabilities in complex and dynamic environments.
Enhancing Fusion Diagnostics
See how Diag2Diag takes a giant leap forward in analyzing fusion plasma. It really shines in the field of Thomson scattering, a diagnostic technique that has become one of the most used tools in tokamaks—the doughnut-shaped fusion reactors. Diag2Diag is measuring the edge of the plasma, called the pedestal. It allows it to leverage advanced new methods, like machine learning, to capture important data that could have previously slipped between the cracks.
With its multimodal approach, the framework is able to synthesize multiple data streams and improve the resolution of current diagnostics. With Diag2Diag, researchers can now more accurately observe the evolution of fusion energy systems over time. This next step promises to bring us closer to understanding and maximizing the benefits of controlled fusion processes.
One of the greatest benefits from Diag2Diag is to increase diagnostic response capability without requiring investment in new hardware. Of course, this cost-effectiveness is only useful if it’s a truly cost-effective game changer for research facilities with limited budgets.
Broad Applicability Beyond Fusion
Diag2Diag was originally conceived for use in fusion energy, its potential goes beyond this scientific discipline. The diagnostic framework might be adapted to other diagnostic scenarios in which data are unavailable or scarce. This versatility creates new opportunities for improved design across many scientific and engineering fields.
For example, Diag2Diag is already in use on spacecraft systems. It improves overall operations by increasing reliability and advancing data recovery from sensors that may be failing or degraded. When performance of a sensor is mission critical, having Diag2Diag on-board means that critical information remains protected. This greatly improves reliability across the system.
The framework was designed specifically for the recovery of lost or degraded data. This feature in tandem with its low operating cost makes it an invaluable tool for industries that rely on accurate diagnostics yet frequently face sensor failures or constraints.
Ensuring Reliability in Critical Environments
The precision and reliability of this diagnostic data are mission-critical, not only in foundational fields like fusion research but in advanced aerospace applications. Diag2Diag responds to this need by improving the quality of existing data and offering a strong alternative in future diagnostics.
After a decade of work, Egemen Kolemen’s contributions through Diag2Diag represent a turning point for fusion energy research. By employing the DeCART tool, researchers have a credible means to study plasma dynamics. It brings fusion technology closer to commercialization the same way it provides a model and aspiration for other, similar innovations in other fields.
Through these features, Diag2Diag can provide far more holistic perspectives of fusion systems. Such a capability might open doors to major advances in new ways to produce energy. With recent breakthroughs on the path to commercialization, fusion energy is rising to the forefront as a dynamic complement and successor to conventional energies. Innovative tech adoption tools like Diag2Diag will be critical in advancing these technological realities.