New Developments In Nuclear Fusion Research

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two nuclei join, forming a larger nucleus and releasing or absorbing energy. With some exceptions, nuclei lighter than iron release energy when they fuse, while heavier nuclei absorb energy; this is because iron has the largest binding energy. Nuclear fusion of light elements is the energy source which causes stars to shine and hydrogen bombs to explode. Nuclear fusion of heavy elements is part of the process that triggers supernovae. Nuclear fusion as an energy source has several advantages: It is vast, new source of energy; Fuels are plentiful; Inherently safe since any malfunction results in a rapid shutdown; No atmospheric pollution leading to acid rain or "greenhouse" effect; Radioactivity of the reactor structure, caused by the neutrons, decays rapidly and can be minimised by careful selection of low-activation materials. Provision for geological time-span disposal is not needed. This book brings together leading research in this field which will play a major role in the 21st century.

Proceedings of a symposium held to identify, review, and assess the benefits, uncertainties, & potentialities of the conventional, alternative, & exploratory approaches to fusion energy production, and to assess industrial spin-offs & other applications. Topics of the compiled papers include: a new course for fusion research, magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, other confinement, plasma physics, numerical simulation, nuclear processes, fusion burn control, plasma diagnostics, and plasma stability. Includes subject index.

The objective of this series of Symposia is to assess the benefits, applications, and spin-offs of nuclear fusion research, including both conventional and alternative approaches. The Symposia have been organized in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and endorsed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory. This proceedings contains all the review papers presented at the meeting, held in Washington, DC, USA, on 12 - 16 March 2001, as well as the report from the Panel of Distinguished S.

'Holgate guides us expertly and with a deft touch along the journey towards the holy grail of unlimited energy for all.' - JIM AL-KHALILI 'What is nuclear fusion? In clear and accessible language, this book explains the basics and the hope for the future. A valuable addition to the Hot Science series.' - JOHN GRIBBIN Could the Sun hold the key to a future of clean energy? Since the 1950s, scientists have attempted to harness nuclear fusion - the process that creates the Sun's energy - to generate near-limitless amounts of electricity. But the fact that we still have no fusion power plants is testament to the complexities of the challenge. Now, the deepening climate crisis means that researchers around the world are in a race to create a mini-Sun here on Earth. The glittering prize is an energy source that emits no greenhouse gases and could solve energy equity and supply issues at a stroke. Sharon Ann Holgate, a former Young Professional Physicist of the Year, tells the compelling story of the ongoing scientific quest for a revolutionary new era of green energy production.