Fusion is the fundamental process that fuels stars, including our sun. This process involves two hydrogen atoms merging to form a helium atom, with a portion of the hydrogen's mass being converted into energy. One widely investigated fusion reaction is the combination of deuterium and tritium, which are isotopes of hydrogen, resulting in the formation of helium and a neutron.
What is Inertial Fusion?Inertial fusion energy involves creating nuclear fusion by compressing a small pellet of fusion fuel, such as deuterium and tritium, to extremely high pressures and temperatures with intense energy sources. This compression is generally accomplished using powerful lasers, heavy ion beams, or pulsed power devices. The goal is to create the conditions necessary for the fuel nuclei to fuse and release energy.
Inertial Fusion approachesWithin inertial fusion energy (IFE), there are various approaches that utilize lasers, heavy ions, or pulsed power for compressing and/or heating the fuel. IFE concepts are also categorized based on how the external energy is delivered to the fuel, either directly or indirectly. These concepts include laser indirect-drive, laser direct-drive, fast ignition, heavy ion fusion, and magnetically driven fusion.
Fusion ignition breakthrough:As a cornerstone of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s science-based stockpile stewardship program, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) made groundbreaking strides in 2022 by achieving fusion ignition. In a historic experiment, NIF delivered 2.05 megajoules (MJ) of energy to its target, resulting in 3.15 MJ of fusion energy output. This milestone not only surpassed the fusion threshold but also laid a crucial foundation for the future of inertial fusion energy (IFE).
How NIF Works?
