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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.
P. A. Bagryansky et al.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 63 | Number 1 | May 2013 | Pages 253-255
doi.org/10.13182/FST13-A16919
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The development of fusion energy will require materials resilient to harsh bombardment by energetic neutrons and plasma. The Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) concept in Novosibirsk is proposed as a neutron and plasma source to test and validate appropriate materials. Recent results showed plasma beta of 0.6, provide a solid basis for extrapolating to a fusion relevant neutron source. Relative to previous magnetic mirror neutron sources, the GDT concept operates with simpler axisymmetric magnets and at higher efficiency. Plasma in the GDT device operating at the present time in the Budker Institute includes two ion components: 250 eV maxwellian warm ions and anisotropic hot ion population produced by 25 keV 5 MW oblique neutral beam injection.