Fusion: The 50 Year Problem
Marc
Mitchell
Idaho Accelerator
Center
Idaho State
University
Fusion energy promises enormous
benefits over current energy technology.
Fusion power appears to be the prefect solution to our long term energy
problems as it offers no-harmful-emission power from an abundant energy source,
hydrogen (the most abundant element in the universe). Though fusion is a relatively simple process,
many complications exist in making it a viable energy source. This talk covers the current status of fusion
research and the many problems researchers face. The fundamental problem in realizing fusion
as an energy source is confinement of the fuel.
There are two schools of thought in fusion research: magnetically confined fusion (MCF), and
inertial confined fusion (ICF). As such,
the advantages/disadvantages of each will be discussed. In addition, ICF relevant research at ISU
will be presented. Could fusion power be
only 50 years away?