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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.
R. E. Olson, G. A. Chandler, M. S. Derzon, D. E. Hebron, J. S. Lash, R. J. Leeper, T. J. Nash, G. E. Rochau, T. W. L. Sanford, N. B. Alexander, C. R. Gibson
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 35 | Number 2 | March 1999 | Pages 260-265
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST99-A11963934
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
We describe designs of hohlraums and capsules for both ignition (∼1–10 MJ) and high yield (up to ∼200 MJ) Z-pinch driven indirect-drive ICF concepts. Two potential Z-pinch hohlraum configurations – 1) the “static wall” or “on-axis” hohlraum; and 2) the “imploding liner” or “dynamic” hohlraum – are considered. Both concepts involve cryogenic, DT-filled capsules (∼2–4 mm in diameter) with Be or CH ablators (O, F, and Cu are currently being considered as dopants). Both types of hohlraums involve a Helium and/or CH foam fill. In the static wall hohlraum concept, the ICF capsule is isolated from the x-ray generation region. Advantages in the areas of capsule drive symmetry and diagnostic access might be gained from this arrangement. In the dynamic hohlraum, the ICF capsule has a direct view of the stagnation radiation. The potential advantage would result from the higher x-ray intensity and larger total capsule absorbed energy.