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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.
Robert C. Cook, Mitchell Anthamatten, Stephan A. Letts, Abbas Nikroo, Donald G. Czechowicz
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 45 | Number 2 | March 2004 | Pages 148-156
Technical Paper | Target Fabrication | doi.org/10.13182/FST04-A442
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
One approach to improving the quality of the DT ice layer on the inside of a NIF capsule target is to enhance the natural -layering process by heating the ice with infrared light (IR) tuned to a D2 or DT excitation band. However to do this the IR must pass through the capsule wall, and absorption by the capsule material results in heat generation that is deleterious both in terms of reducing the energy input to the ice as well as increasing the difficulty of symmetrically cooling the capsule. In order to optimize the choice of wavelength we have measured the wavelength dependent transmission properties of IR through the plastic materials we are considering for capsule fabrication. We will present wavelength dependent extinction coefficient data for normal and fully deuterated plasma polymer and vapor deposited polyimide.