Alborz Tokamak

Intelligence Summary: Alborz Tokamak

Node Identity: The Alborz Tokamak is an educational magnetic confinement fusion device operated by Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT) in Tehran. Led by Professor Reza Amrollahi, the Alborz project is designed for studying fundamental plasma phenomena and serves as a training platform for Iran's next generation of fusion scientists. The device features hot filament and reverse discharge loop pre-ionization systems, distinguishing it from the ECRH-based pre-ionization approach used on the companion Taban Tokamak at the same institution.

Strategic Relevance: The Alborz Tokamak represents the educational foundation of Iran's tokamak program — producing the trained personnel who staff AEOI's larger facilities and contribute to the broader ~100+ scientist fusion research ecosystem. The project has generated multiple publications on vacuum vessel design, poloidal coil systems, pre-ionization systems, and free-boundary equilibrium calculations in journals including Fusion Engineering and Design. This engineering and design expertise is directly transferable to more advanced plasma confinement systems. AUT is also identified by ISIS as one of three universities where HEMP simulation research has been openly reported, creating a potential dual-use bridge between tokamak engineering knowledge and electromagnetic weapons effects research. The ITER delegation's November 2015 visit to Alborz signals international recognition of the program's credibility.

Technical Focus / Capabilities: The Alborz Tokamak's engineering program encompasses vacuum vessel design, poloidal coil system configuration, hot filament and reverse discharge loop pre-ionization, and free-boundary equilibrium calculations. The device is configured for studying basic plasma phenomena including plasma startup, confinement, and stability. The pre-ionization approach using hot filament and reverse discharge loop represents a distinct technical pathway from the ECRH microwave pre-ionization used on the Taban Tokamak, providing comparative research opportunities within the same institution.

Network Linkage: The Alborz Tokamak is operated by Amirkabir University and led by Reza Amrollahi. It received an ITER delegation visit in November 2015. The device is part of Iran's five-tokamak fleet and shares its host institution with the Taban Tokamak. AUT is identified by ISIS as conducting HEMP simulation research alongside Sharif University and Imam Khomeini University, and has a documented cooperation link with SPND.