Nuclear Fusion: “Ignition” Goal Has Been Achieved !
Nuclear fusion is a process in which atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. It is the same process that powers the sun and other stars, and scientists have been trying to harness it as a source of clean, virtually limitless energy for decades.
There have been several significant breakthroughs in the field of nuclear fusion in recent years. One of the most notable was the achievement of “first plasma” at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France in December 2020. This marked the beginning of the experimental phase of the project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a source of energy.
Other recent breakthroughs include the development of new materials and techniques for containing and harnessing the high temperatures and pressures necessary for fusion reactions. These include the use of high-temperature superconducting materials and advanced imaging techniques that allow scientists to better understand and control the complex plasma dynamics within a fusion device.
There are also several privately-funded fusion companies that are making progress towards commercial fusion energy. These include TAE Technologies, General Fusion, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems. While these companies have made significant strides, it will likely be several more years before fusion energy becomes a practical reality.
Overall, while there have been significant advances in the field of nuclear fusion in recent years, there is still a lot of work to be done before it becomes a viable source of energy. However, the potential rewards of a successful fusion energy program are enormous, and the progress being made is exciting for the future of clean energy.
Reecently, on December 10, 2022, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US achieved a major milestone in the field of nuclear fusion: “ignition,” or producing more energy out of the process than was put in.
This marks the first time that ignition has been achieved using laser-driven fusion in the US, and represents a significant step towards the eventual goal of harnessing fusion as a clean, virtually limitless source of energy.
The researchers used a high-power laser to fire 2.05 million joules of energy into a target containing fusion fuel, which released 3.15 million joules of energy in the process, a gain of around 1.5.
While this is a significant achievement, there are still many hurdles to overcome before fusion energy can be used as a practical source of power. The energy released was not in the form of electricity, but a burst of energetic particles, and harnessing those particles to produce electricity will require further work.
Additionally, the laser repetition rate is currently too low, with the laser only able to produce bursts of energy a couple of times a day, while a practical fusion reactor would need to run constantly.
There are also technical challenges to be overcome in terms of materials and techniques for containing and harnessing the high temperatures and pressures necessary for fusion reactions.
Despite these challenges, the achievement of ignition is a promising step towards the eventual goal of harnessing fusion as a clean, virtually limitless source of energy. In the meantime, researchers will continue to work on overcoming the remaining hurdles and bringing fusion energy closer to becoming a practical reality.
