Ever since the 1930s when scientists, namely Hans Bethe, discovered that nuclear fusion was possible, researchers strived to initiate and control fusion reactions to produce useful energy on Earth. The best example of a fusion reaction is in the middle of stars like the Sun where hydrogen atoms are fused together to make helium releasing a lot of energy that powers the heat and light of the star. On Earth, scientists need to heat and control plasma, an ionised state of matter similar to gas, to cause particles to fuse and release their energy. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to start fusion reactions on Earth, as they require conditions similar to the Sun, very high temperature and pressure, and scientists have been trying to find a solution for decades.

In May 2019, a workshop detailing how fusion could be advanced using machine learning was held that was jointly supported by the Department of Energy Offices of Fusion Energy Science (FES) and Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR). In their report, they discuss seven 'priority research opportunities':

'Science Discovery with Machine Learning' involves bridging gaps in theoretical understanding via identification of missing effects using large datasets; the acceleration of hypothesis generation and testing and the optimisation of experimental planning. Essentially, machine learning is used to support and accelerate the scientific process itself.

'Machine Learning Boosted Diagnostics' is where machine learning methods are used to maximise the information extracted from measurements, systematically fuse multiple data sources and infer quantities that are not directly measured. Classifcation techniques, such as supervised learning, could be used on data that is extracted from the diagnostic measurements.

'Model Extraction and Reduction' includes the construction of models of fusion systems and the acceleration of computational algorithms. Effective model reduction can result in shorten computation times and mean that simulations (for the tokamak fusion reactor for example) happen faster than real-time execution.

'Control Augmentation with Machine Learning'. Three broad areas of plasma control research would benefit significantly from machine learning: control-level models, real-time data analysis algorithms; optimisation of plasma discharge trajectories for control scenarios. Using AI to improve control mathematics could manage the uncertainty in calculations and ensure better operational performance.

'Extreme Data Algorithms' involves finding methods to manage the amount and speed of data that will be generated during the fusion models.

'Data-Enhanced Prediction' will help monitor the health of the plant system and predict any faults, such as disruptions which are essential to be mitigated.

'Fusion Data Machine Learning Platform' is a system that can manage, format, curate and enable the access to experimental and simulation data from fusion models for optimal usability when used by machine learning algorithms.

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