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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.
A. R. Raffray et al.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 56 | Number 1 | July 2009 | Pages 333-340
High Average Power Laser and Other IFE R&D | Eighteenth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Part 1) | doi.org/10.13182/FST09-A8924
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The High Average Power Laser (HAPL) program is focusing on the development of laser IFE power plants based on lasers, direct-drive targets and dry wall chambers. One key issue is the survival of the chamber wall under the ion threat spectra (representing ~25% of the yield energy). The possibility of steering the ions away from the chamber to specially-designed dump chambers using magnetic intervention is being investigated. This brings up the intriguing possibility of utilizing a liquid wall to accommodate the ion fluxes in the dump chamber provided the right measures are taken to prevent the liquid from contaminating the main chamber. This paper covers the initial assessment of different magnetic configurations for a laser IFE chamber. Their key characteristics are described; results of the supporting design analyses are summarized; and the major findings and issues are highlighted.