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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.
H. Huang, R. B. Stephens, D. W. Hill, C. Lyon, A. Nikroo, D. A. Steinman
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 45 | Number 2 | March 2004 | Pages 214-217
Technical Paper | Target Fabrication | doi.org/10.13182/FST04-A453
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) shells are mesoscale objects with nano-scale dimensional and nanosurface finish requirements. Currently, the shell dimensions are measured by white-light interferometry and an image analysis method. These two methods complement each other and give a rather complete data set on a single shell. The process is, however, labor intensive. We have developed an automation routine to fully characterize a shell in one shot and perform unattended batch measurement. The method is useful to the ICF program both for production screening and for full characterization. It also has potential for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) power plant where half a million shells need to be processed daily.