Issue |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 133, June 2006
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Page(s) | 103 - 104 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:2006133020 | |
Published online | 16 June 2006 |
J.-C. Gauthier, et al.
J. Phys. IV France 133 (2006) 103-104
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2006133020
On the path to fusion energy
M. TabakMail Stop L-015, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
Abstract
There is a need to develop alternate energy sources in
the coming century because fossil fuels will become depleted and their use
may lead to global climate change. Inertial fusion can become such an energy
source, but significant progress must be made before its promise is
realized. The high-density approach to inertial fusion suggested by
Nuckolls, et al., leads to reactors compatible with civilian
power production. Methods to achieve the good control of hydrodynamic
stability (adiabat shaping) and implosion symmetry required to achieve these
high fuel densities will be discussed. Examples of symmetry control for
targets driven by Z-pinches or heavy ion beams are given. Fast Ignition, a
technique that achieves fusion ignition by igniting fusion fuel after it is
assembled, will be described along with its gain curves. Fusion costs of
energy for conventional hotspot ignition will be compared with those of Fast
Ignition and their capital costs compared with advanced fission plants.
Finally, techniques that may improve possible Fast Ignition gains by an
order of magnitude and reduce driver scales by an order of magnitude below
conventional ignition requirements are described. If these innovations are
successful, the fusion specific capital costs can be reduced below 10% of
the balance of plant.
© EDP Sciences 2006