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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.
J. F. Latkowski
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 956-959
Safety and Environment | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963364
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In December 1999 and January 2000, a 40-cm-thick spherical shell of sprayable concrete (“gunite”) was applied to the exterior surface of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) target chamber. Glow-discharge mass spectroscopy has been used to determine the elemental composition of multiple gunite samples, which were collected at the time of application. These measured compositions are compared to the anticipated composition and both are used for neutron activation calculations. Contact dose rates are reported and implications for doses rates during operation and for the eventual facility decommissioning are discussed.