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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.
B. A. Vermillion, J. T. Bousquet, R. E. Andrews, M. Thi, M. L. Hoppe, E. R. Castillo, A. Nikroo, D. T. Goodin, G. E. Besenbruch
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 51 | Number 4 | May 2007 | Pages 791-794
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1481
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Providing glow discharge polymer (GDP) coatings is a key step in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) target production. Typical target delivery quantities may require several GDP coating runs consisting of up to 80 mandrels per batch. This work undertakes research and development to create a new configuration for the GDP coating apparatus that will enable batch sizes into the hundreds or thousands. This will reduce costs associated with target production and make delivery of ICF targets more efficient. In addition, there is a synergy between this work and Inertial Fusion Energy's (IFE's) need for half a million targets per day for energy production, as well as future commercial applications. Recently we have demonstrated the capability to meet the NIF CH surface standard, confirmed via statistical sampling, in a 400 capsule batch coated with 10 m of GDP, a key benchmark for successful coatings.