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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.
T. Norimatsu et al.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 56 | Number 1 | July 2009 | Pages 361-368
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-A8928
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Current status of elemental research on a laser fusion reactor with a liquid wall in Japan is summarized. Cascade scheme was found to be useful to obtain a continuous protective liquid LiPb layer. Formation of micro particles in a plume ablated by alpha particle heating is discussed based on experimental results obtained by backside irradiation of a lead membrane. Our numerical simulation results for formation of aerosols matched experimental results obtained with electric discharge through a thin lead membrane. Protection of beam port is described. A magnetic field generated with a pulse current successfully shields the tip of beam port from alpha particles. Tracking of cone target with diverging beam showed 0.2 m resolution at 10m separation.