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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.
D. Brisset, V. Lamaison, G. Paquignon, J. P. Périn, E. Bouleau, D. Chatain, J. Manzagol
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 52 | Number 3 | October 2007 | Pages 473-477
Technical Paper | The Technology of Fusion Energy - Inertial Fusion Technology: Targets and Chambers | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1533
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Laser MegaJoule (LMJ) program plans to obtain Deuterium-Tritium (DT) mixture ignition leading to a fusion gain of ten. Cryogenic targets are hollow spheres whose interior is covered with a solid cryogenic fuel layer. The success of DT ignition depends on quality of the fuel layer uniformity. These targets must be cooled and kept at temperatures near the triple point (19.8 K) with a very good stability (+/-1 mK) for many hours, in the center of the 5 m radius experimental vacuum chamber with a position accuracy of a few microns. In order to validate our current device concepts, we have manufactured scale one prototypes to confirm all thermal and mechanical challenges, such as sharp thermal regulation, cooling autonomy and cryogenic target transfer.