Nuclear Fusion: Rapid Progress for Inertial Confinement
Sabine Hossenfelder・6 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.
