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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. W. Johnson
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 44 | Number 1 | July 2003 | Pages 49-56
Technical Paper | Fusion Energy - Fusion Plenary and Overview | doi.org/10.13182/FST03-A309
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Diagnostic development is an important and vital part of the fusion program. There is close coupling between the physics needs for measurements and the diagnostic development that receives funding. This paper gives brief technical descriptions of ongoing developments in a few areas currently receiving attention. These areas include Te diagnostics, j(R) diagnostics applicable to new regimes, and diagnostics to probe edge and core turbulence. The underlying physics motivation and enabling technologies involved in these developments are also mentioned. A brief status of diagnostic work in support of a burning plasma experiment (BPX) is also described, since this effort may become more significant worldwide. Several diagnostic R&D topics, identified as crucial for a BPX, are discussed.