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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.
Christopher E. Hamilton, Nickolaus A. Smith, Kimberly A. Defriend Obrey
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 63 | Number 2 | March-April 2013 | Pages 265-267
Technical Paper | Selected papers from 20th Target Fabrication Meeting, May 20-24, 2012, Santa Fe, NM, Guest Editor: Robert C. Cook | doi.org/10.13182/FST13-A16348
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Planar polymer targets are a fundamental component of high-energy-density (HED) laser experiments in which ion acceleration by high-intensity short-pulse lasers is being investigated. HED physics experimenters at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have pioneered the development of laser-driven proton, deuteron, and carbon ion acceleration; progressive experiments have required targets of controlled composition, thickness, and density. Here, we describe recent progress made in the production of ultrathin planar CH2 and CD2 targets of varying density for these experiments, fielded at LANL's Trident laser facility.