Optimization for Plasma Breakdown Based on Genetic Algorithm in EAST

Simulation of plasma breakdown is an important subject, since the breakdown plays an instructed role in the tokamak discharge. There are two key factors, i.e., loop voltage and null field region, for the tokamak breakdown and start-up. To achieve the large enough null field region and desired loop voltage for the breakdown and initial ramp-up, current in each coil should be well controlled due to the individually powered poloidal field magnets with specially designed compensation coils for the field in EAST(Experimental Advanced Super conducting Tokamak). By dividing the vacuum vessel into 108 elements, a genetic algorithm was applied to optimize the breakdown for EAST, namely, optimizing the initial poloidal field coils voltage and the rate of current. The optimization results are presented in the paper.