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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.
S. S. Yu, W. R. Meier, R. P. Abbott, J. J. Barnard, T. Brown, D. A. Callahan, C. Debonnel, P. Heitzenroeder, J. F. Latkowski, B. G. Logan, S. J. Pemberton, P. F. Peterson, D. V. Rose, G-L. Sabbi, W. M. Sharp, D. R. Welch
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 44 | Number 2 | September 2003 | Pages 266-273
Technical Paper | Fusion Energy - Advanced Designs | doi.org/10.13182/FST03-A345
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An updated, self-consistent point design for a heavy ion fusion (HIF) power plant based on an induction linac driver, indirect-drive targets, and a thick liquid wall chamber has been completed. Conservative parameters were selected to allow each design area to meet its functional requirements in a robust manner, and thus this design is referred to as the Robust Point Design (RPD-2002). This paper provides a top-level summary of the major characteristics and design parameters for the target, driver, final focus magnet layout and shielding, chamber, beam propagation to the target, and overall power plant.