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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.
Thomas C. Simonen
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 57 | Number 4 | May 2010 | Pages 305-311
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST10-A9491
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Recent results from Russia and Japan have sparked renewed interest in magnetic mirror concepts. The Russian Gas Dynamic Trap experiment achieved 60% beta in an axisymmetric magnetic mirror. The Japanese Gamma-10 experiment demonstrated the suppression of radial transport due to drift-wave turbulence. This paper describes the evolution of magnetic mirrors, identifies a number of methods to stabilize axisymmetric mirrors, and suggests areas of needed research. The simple axisymmetric configuration has applications ranging from a source for material testing with plasma and neutrons to a driver for fusion-fission hybrid to the possibility of a fusion power plant.