The Diagnostics Constellation
Eight diagnostic families — from Thomson scattering to neutron flux — form the constellation the Data Fabric fuses into a single coherent picture of each machine.
One constellation, many eyes
No single diagnostic sees a fusion plasma completely. The fabric fuses a constellation of complementary diagnostics, each strong where others are weak, into one coherent state estimate. The redundancy is deliberate: it enables cross-validation, dead-sensor imputation, and honest uncertainty. The families are Thomson scattering, interferometry, Mirnov coils, flux loops, REBCO strain gauges, ECE, fast-ion trackers, and neutron flux.
What each family contributes
- Thomson scattering: local electron temperature and density.
- Interferometry: line-integrated density, fast and robust.
- Mirnov coils: fast magnetic fluctuations, MHD modes, precursors.
- Flux loops: slow, absolute magnetic flux for equilibrium.
- REBCO strain gauges: magnet mechanical state.
- ECE: electron temperature profile and fluctuations.
- Fast-ion trackers: energetic-ion behavior and losses.
- Neutron flux: the direct fusion-rate monitor.
Fusion, not a list
The constellation's power is in fusion. Density from interferometry and Thomson constrain each other; magnetics from Mirnov and flux loops feed one equilibrium; neutron flux anchors the instantaneous Q. The fabric's multi-modal fusion (see sensor fusion) is what makes the whole exceed any part.
Tuned per machine
The breeder (Hyperion) leans on magnetics and profiles for equilibrium and disruption; the burner leans on density, potential, and DEC-train diagnostics for the plug and ambipolar physics. The same constellation framework serves both, with the mix set by each machine's control problems.