ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Feb 2026
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
Nuclear Technology
February 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
January 2026
Latest News
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.
G. R. Hopkins, E. T. Cheng, R. L. Creedon, I. Maya, K. R. Schultz, P. Trester, C. P. C. Wong
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 1251-1256
Blanket and First Wall Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A23029
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A design study for a low activation tokamak fusion reactor based on the STARFIRE baseline design has been done. The major components of limiter, first wall, blanket, shield and toroidal field coils have all been designed with very low activation materials and the designs appear technically achievable. The result provides a fusion power reactor with a high degree of direct personnel access for maintenance and repair, with a large reduction in safety and environmental impact, and with much reduced waste disposal problems. This low activation design also appears economically attractive and is expected to have a high degree of public acceptance.