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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. J. Karnes, N. M. Petta, J. E. Streit
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 55 | Number 4 | May 2009 | Pages 472-476
Technical Paper | Eighteenth Target Fabrication Specialists' Meeting | doi.org/10.13182/FST09-A7429
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
To produce foam capsule fusion energy targets with smoother surfaces, we have combined two previously reported resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) aerogel synthesis techniques. Using this new hybrid process, we have successfully produced aerogel spheres that are coated in situ with a smooth submicron-thick skin. The surface roughness of these spheres is compared to the conventionally synthesized RF capsules. We also illustrate the microscopic surface morphology of the new and traditional techniques. We propose that this new approach to capsule synthesis be investigated further as a target candidate; both the enhanced smoothness and the altered surface morphology make for a more desirable coating substrate.