Experiments
Experiments glossary term

FIRST Spherical Tokamak

Establishes baseline sovereign experimental fusion research capacity in Taiwan.

Experiments Also: FIRST Spherical Tokamak, first-spherical-tokamak, FIRST, Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak Has Dossier → 0 sources

01 Definition

Taiwan's foundational spherical tokamak research device developed to establish domestic magnetic confinement fusion infrastructure.

02 Detailed_Analysis

The Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak (FIRST) is Taiwan's first domestic magnetic confinement fusion experiment. Constructed via a national academic consortium led by the National Atomic Research Institute (NARI) and hosted at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), the compact device serves as an experimental platform for basic plasma confinement, diagnostic testing, and fusion workforce training.

03 Key_Facts

  • Taiwan's first domestic magnetic confinement fusion research tokamak
  • Multi-institutional project led by NARI with NYCU, NCKU, and NTHU
  • Four-year, NT$250 million national investment in baseline fusion capacity

04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence

Intelligence Summary: FIRST Tokamak

Node Identity: FIRST Tokamak is a entity categorized under "Tokamak" in the taiwan intelligence graph. Entry-level tokamak facility representing Taiwan's foundational fusion research infrastructure at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

Research Evidence: The following findings from 4 research documents reference this entity:

  1. Confidence: ESTABLISHED --- ## L2: FIRST Spherical Tokamak — Taiwan's First Fusion Device (NARI/NCKU/NTHU Collaboration) ### Finding: Taiwan is constructing its first tokamak — the Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak (FIRST) — through a four-year, NT$250 million (US$7.6 million) integrated project launched in March 2023.
  2. This is part of Taiwan's NSTC-funded fusion research portfolio, with inertial confinement fusion identified as a major research priority alongside the magnetic confinement FIRST tokamak project.
  3. The program began in 1968 with the Doublet I device, the first tokamak with a highly noncircular cross section, using solid cop- per walls to shape the plasma.

Strategic Relevance: FIRST Tokamak is a tracked entity within the taiwan network. With 1 documented connection to other entities, this node plays a supporting role in the network topology.

Network Linkage: This entity maintains 1 documented connections in the intelligence network: NYCU operates FIRST Tokamak.

Source Documents: Evidence compiled from: FINDINGS_FROM_research-prompts-round110.md, FINDINGS_FROM_research-prompts-round71.md, FINDINGS_FROM_research-prompts-round86.md,GeneralAtomics_DIII-D_FiveYearPlan_1998.pdf.

07 Related_Entities (12)

08 Timeline_Mentions (10)

1946

First Accelerator Patent Application

Nicholas Christofilos applies for a patent on an accelerator design similar to the synchrotron.

fusion-physics
1947

Kenneth Arnold (June 24, 1947): nine objects over Mt. Rainier, coined 'flying saucer,' started modern UFO era, led to Operation Sign

Private pilot. Nine objects. 1,200+ mph (supersonic pre-sound barrier). No tails. 'Like Chinese kite.' Coined 'flying saucer' (reporter misquote). Nationwide wave by July 4. Led to Operation Sign → Gr

uap-research
1948

Christofilos Contacts Berkeley

Christofilos sends his first letter to the University of California Radiation Laboratory (UCRL) proposing improvements to accelerator performance.

fusion-physics
1952

Ivy Mike Test

The first successful test of a thermonuclear device, marking a milestone in fusion research history at Los Alamos.

defense-programs
1954

NRL Pioneers Moon-Relay Communication

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) demonstrates the first practical radio communications using the earth-moon-earth path.

fusion-physics
1958

Scylla I Thermonuclear Demonstration

The Scylla I theta-pinch device at Los Alamos becomes the first to demonstrate controlled thermonuclear reactions, noting the necessity of reversed-bias fields.

fusion-physics
1961

Betty and Barney Hill abduction (Sept 19-20, 1961): first widely publicized alien abduction, Zeta Reticuli star map, Dr. Simon hypnosis

First US abduction case. Civil rights activists, mixed-race couple. Missing time + medical exam. Dr. Benjamin Simon hypnosis (11 hours). Zeta Reticuli star map (Marjorie Fish match). 'The Interrupted

uap-research
1963

First Formal Documentation of FRC Topology

H.A.B. Bodin publishes a paper in Nuclear Fusion describing 'reversed field loops' within a theta-pinch, providing physical evidence of the FRC state.

fusion-physics
1971

NRL LINUS Liquid Metal Liner Concept

NRL develops the LINUS fusion reactor concept using rotationally stabilized liquid lead-lithium liner. CFS-NM's SLC concept has strong conceptual similarities.

Fusion Physics
1972

Astron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL

16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.

historical-context
View Full Timeline →

09 FAQ

What is FIRST Spherical Tokamak?
Taiwan's foundational spherical tokamak research device developed to establish domestic magnetic confinement fusion infrastructure.
Why does FIRST Spherical Tokamak matter?
Establishes baseline sovereign experimental fusion research capacity in Taiwan.
When did FIRST Spherical Tokamak appear in the research timeline?
FIRST Spherical Tokamak is referenced in 10 timeline events, including "First Accelerator Patent Application" (1946). The timeline provides chronological context for the development and application of this concept.
Which entities are associated with FIRST Spherical Tokamak?
12 entities are associated with FIRST Spherical Tokamak in the network graph, including Project Sherwood, FRCHX Experiment, Skunk Works® CFR Program. Explore the network graph for full relationship mapping.
Is there a detailed dossier for FIRST Spherical Tokamak?
Yes, FIRST Spherical Tokamak has a comprehensive intelligence dossier with deep dive analysis, source documents, and network connections. View the full dossier for complete intelligence assessment.

Quick_Facts

Category
Experiments
Aliases
FIRST Spherical Tokamak, first-spherical-tokamak, FIRST, Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak
Sources
0
Graph Entities
12
Timeline Events
10