Nuclear Fusion: Rapid Progress for Inertial Confinement

Sabine Hossenfelder2 minutes read

Nuclear fusion research has made strides, with the NIF achieving ignition in 2022 using 200 lasers on a hydrogen pellet, and delivering record energy output in 2023. First Light Fusion and Sandia labs are exploring alternative methods like solid objects and electromagnetic fields for more energy-efficient fusion.

Insights

  • The National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California achieved ignition in December 2022 using the inertial confinement method, where 200 lasers are directed at a hydrogen isotopes pellet, resulting in a record shot on July 30, 2023, with nearly double the input energy output.
  • First Light Fusion in Oxford, in collaboration with Sandia labs, employs a different method involving solid objects and a "Big Friendly Gun" to focus pressure on fuel pellets, potentially offering a more energy-efficient alternative to laser-based fusion research.

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Recent questions

  • How has nuclear fusion research progressed?

    Nuclear fusion research has made significant strides recently, notably with the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieving ignition in December 2022.

  • What method does the NIF use for fusion?

    The NIF employs the inertial confinement method, utilizing nearly 200 lasers directed at a small golden cylinder containing a hydrogen isotopes pellet to create the required pressure for fusion.

  • What was the energy output achievement of the NIF?

    The NIF achieved a record shot on July 30, 2023, delivering 2.05 Mega Joules of energy to the target, resulting in 3.88 Mega Joules coming out, almost double the input energy.

  • How does First Light Fusion approach fusion?

    First Light Fusion, in partnership with Sandia labs, uses solid objects and a "Big Friendly Gun" to focus pressure onto fuel pellets, potentially offering a more energy-efficient method compared to lasers.

  • What role does Sandia lab's Z machine play in fusion?

    Sandia lab's Z machine generates over 20 million amperes and discharges in less than 100 nanoseconds, aiding in focusing electromagnetic fields to accelerate projectiles. This collaboration with First Light Fusion led to achieving a new pressure record of 1850 GPa on a quartz target.

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Summary

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Advancements in Nuclear Fusion Research 2023

  • Nuclear fusion research has seen significant progress in recent years, with the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California achieving ignition in December 2022.
  • The NIF uses the inertial confinement method, firing almost 200 lasers at a small golden cylinder containing a hydrogen isotopes pellet to create the necessary pressure for fusion.
  • The NIF reported a record shot on July 30, 2023, where they delivered 2.05 Mega Joules of energy to the target, resulting in 3.88 Mega Joules coming out, nearly twice the input energy.
  • First Light Fusion in Oxford has partnered with Sandia labs in the US, utilizing a method involving solid objects and a "Big Friendly Gun" to focus pressure onto fuel pellets, potentially more energy-efficient than lasers.
  • Sandia lab's Z machine, generating over 20 million amperes and discharging in less than 100 nanoseconds, aids in focusing electromagnetic fields to accelerate projectiles, with First Light Fusion achieving a new pressure record of 1850 GPa on a quartz target.
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