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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.
J. Rand McNally, Jr.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 7 | Number 2 | March 1985 | Pages 155-157
FT Letter | doi.org/10.13182/FST85-A24530
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The use of Tnτ as a measure of plasma quality appears to be a significant improvement over the Lawson criteria, nτ, as fusion plasmas approach the ignition goal of fusion research. Comments are made to urge a revival of interest in plasma density exponentiation and the “need to know” of the burn characteristics of fusion plasmas.