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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. R. Welch, D. B. Harris, George H. Miley
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 7 | Number 3 | May 1985 | Pages 334-344
Technical Paper | Experimental Device | doi.org/10.13182/FST85-A24554
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Double-peaked energy spectra of deuterium-deuterium protons have been observed from laser implosion experiments at the University of Rochester. These spectra have been used to study implosion dynamics. The energy and broadening of the two peaks relate to distinct burn phases, shock coalescence, and compression. Data are obtained by unfolding the spectra. Using a model for changing target ρR conditions, the proton energy loss and the broadening of each peak determine the fuel compression and temperature for each burn phase. An ion temperature for the shock phase is determined from thermal broadening. The compression peak's energy broadening and separation from the shock peak is fit to an adiabatic temperature model. Preliminary data suggest that temperatures during both burns are 20% below that predicted by an extensive simulation code. Compressions are also lower than predicted.