Scientists develop a new tool for measuring radio waves in fusion plasmas

Scientists seeking to bring to Earth the fusion energy that drives the sun and stars use radio frequency (RF) waves--the same waves that bring radio and television into homes--to heat and drive current in the plasma that fuels fusion reactions. Scientists now have developed a path-setting way to measure the waves that could be used to validate predictions of their impact, setting the stage for enhanced future experiments that could result in bringing energy from fusion to Earth.