Fusion via Inertial Confinement

In summary: Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a type of fusion power where two objects are placed inside a magnetic field and heated until they combine to create a new, heavier element. The most common type of ICF is laser-based, in which a powerful laser is used to heat and compress the fuel. Some of the benefits of ICF over other forms of fusion are that it is more energy efficient, produces less radioactive waste, and is less complex to build. However, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome before ICF can become a viable energy source. Among these are developing a strong enough laser, perfecting the fuel mixture, and creating a compact
  • #1
bill nye scienceguy!
127
0
Hi all

I have to write a short essay on an application of laser technology for a class. I'm keen to write it on ICF but my uni library doesn't have a great deal of material. Can anyone link me to some reputable sources on the internet?

thanks
 
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  • #2
Lawrence Livermore's National Ingition Facility would have information.
https://lasers.llnl.gov/

University of California - http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/thyd/icf/IFE.html

One could also use Wikipedia as a starting point and use the references.
 
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  • #3
I am involved with the international HiPER laser fusion project, which recently launched its planning phase.

Two useful links for HiPER are the web site...

http://www.hiper-laser.org/

... and the short film, released a few days ago, which explains some of the basics and background.

http://www.hiper-laser.org/hiper_dvd01.wmv

You should also Google the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore labs, where the initial work is nearing completion to achieve proof of principle for Inertial Confinement Fusion. With luck this will be achived about 2 years from now.

Best wishes,

JP
 
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  • #4
bill nye scienceguy! said:
Hi all

I have to write a short essay on an application of laser technology for a class. I'm keen to write it on ICF but my uni library doesn't have a great deal of material. Can anyone link me to some reputable sources on the internet?

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory recently announced a concept for a power production system
based on inertial confinement fusion. The concept is called LIFE and was announced at the 18th
Topical on Fusion Energy in San Francisco:

http://www.18th-tofe.com/

LLNL Associate Director Tomas Diaz de la Rubia gave the following paper:

http://www.18th-tofe.com/pdf/WednesdayOrals.pdf

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
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  • #5
i introduced you two books in this topic:
1.An introduction to inertial confinement fusion(S Pfalzner) chapter 2.
2. laser and inertial fusion energy(Heinrich Hora,George H. Miley)
 
  • #6
The Release of Thermonuclear Energy by Inertial Confinement: Ways Towards Ignition
Friedwardt Winterberg

Inertial Fusion: Beam Plasma Interaction, Hydrodynamics, Dense Plasma Physics
by Stefano Atzeni and Jurgen Meyer-ter-vehn

http://lasers.llnl.gov"
Laser Fusion


DoYouKnow
 
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FAQ: Fusion via Inertial Confinement

How does fusion via inertial confinement work?

Fusion via inertial confinement involves using high-powered lasers or particle beams to heat and compress a small pellet of fusion fuel, typically a mixture of deuterium and tritium. This compression creates extreme temperatures and pressures, causing the atoms to fuse and release a huge amount of energy.

What are the advantages of using inertial confinement for fusion?

Inertial confinement fusion offers several advantages over other fusion methods, such as magnetic confinement. It can achieve higher temperatures and pressures, leading to more efficient fusion reactions. It also allows for rapid bursts of fusion energy, making it suitable for energy production.

What are the challenges of achieving fusion via inertial confinement?

One of the main challenges of inertial confinement fusion is the precise timing and alignment of the lasers or beams used to compress the fuel pellet. Any slight variation can lead to an unsuccessful fusion reaction. Another challenge is the production and containment of the high-energy particles released during the fusion process.

How close are we to achieving fusion via inertial confinement?

Scientists have made significant progress in the field of inertial confinement fusion, with several facilities around the world achieving fusion reactions and generating small amounts of energy. However, there are still technical challenges to overcome before it can be used as a viable energy source.

What are the potential applications of fusion via inertial confinement?

Fusion via inertial confinement has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of clean energy. It could also be used for other applications, such as creating isotopes for medical and industrial use, powering spacecraft, and potentially even producing materials for fusion reactors.

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