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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.
T. Schober, H. Conrads, Armin Schulz
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 23 | Number 2 | March 1993 | Pages 227-229
Technical Note | Materials Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST93-A30150
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Niobium deuteride samples are exposed to vacuum sparks with plasma temperatures exceeding 10 keV and a density of >1023 cm−3. An investigation of the surfaces of the niobium deuteride samples by scanning electron microscopy reveals clear signs of surface melting, orifices, bubbles, blisters, and cracks. The surface features are explained in terms of a very high vapor pressure of deuterium forming in niobium at temperatures near its melting point. Vacuum sparks touching the surfaces for ∼1 µs may expel most of the deuterium from the surface region.
