ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Feb 2026
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
Nuclear Technology
February 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
January 2026
Latest News
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.
M.A. Prelas, E. Leal-Quiros, J.F. Kunze, F.P. Boody, W. Miller, M. Mosquera, J. Javedani, T. Pennington, R. Hane, W. Wei, J. Burnett, T.J. Dolan, A. Gu
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 15 | Number 2 | March 1989 | Pages 1119-1124
Alternate Fuels and Innovative Confinement Concept | doi.org/10.13182/FST89-A39843
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In experiments with a microwave heated magnetic cusp, we have observed the formation and collapse of a strongly-magnetized, steady- state plasma. The formation and behavior of the plasma structure were examined in a variety of conditions. Holding microwave power constant and varying magnetic field strength, the plasma structure volume was observed to shrink, and the hole eventually collapsed as field strength was increased. Holding magnetic field strength constant and varying microwave power, the plasma structure's volume decreased as power was increased. However, we did not have sufficient microwave power to cause the hole structure to collapse. The magnetic confinement and the stability of the plasma in the cusp were also observed.