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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
A. Ando, M. Inutake, K. Hattori, M. Shibata, Y. Kasashima (18R06)
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 51 | Number 2 | February 2007 | Pages 72-74
Technical Paper | Open Magnetic Systems for Plasma Confinement | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1317
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ion cyclotron resonance heating and acceleration in a magnetic nozzle are performed in a fast-flowing plasma in the HITOP linear device in order to investigate an advanced space propulsion system. When radio-frequency (RF) waves are excited by a helically-wound antenna, plasma thermal energy W[perpendicular] and ion temperature drastically increase during the RF pulse. Thermal energy of the heated ion is converted its flow energy when the ions pass through a diverging magnetic nozzle. The plasma thermal energy changes so as to keep the magnetic moment constant. The exhaust plasma flow energy can be controlled by changing an input RF power only.