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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.
L. J. Jiang, J. H. Campbell, Y. F. Lu, T. Bernat, N. Petta
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 70 | Number 2 | August-September 2016 | Pages 295-309
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST15-222
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Two-photon polymerization (2PP) offers an attractive option for direct writing micron- to millimeter-sized laser target components that support high-energy-density plasma physics research. 2PP was used to deterministically print a number of common targetlike structures including tubes, spatially periodic Rayleigh-Taylor–like surfaces, and low-density foams. The structures were printed using commercially available acrylic photoresins. The elemental compositions are reported for comparison with other polymers used for making target components. A number of foamlike structures ranging in size from tens to hundreds of microns and varying in density from 600 to 60 mg/cm3 were readily printed in times ranging from several seconds to a few hours depending on the size. In addition, direct printing was demonstrated to fabricate graded-density foam comprising 12 individual layers with a vertical density gradient of 600 to 80 mg/cm3. Control of shrinkage and deformation during development and subsequent drying remains a challenge for certain structures and a focus of ongoing research.