DiscoverTheoretical Physics - From Outer Space to PlasmaHow the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research
How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research

How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research

Update: 2023-06-021
Share

Description

Archie Bott explains how a promising scheme for fusion relies on a novel feature of hot laser-plasmas: introducing a magnetic field of the correct strength alters the plasma’s fundamental properties in a highly counterintuitive yet beneficial manner. One key scientific breakthrough of 2022 was the achievement of fusion ignition; using the world’s largest laser facility, physicists created a plasma in which nuclear fusion reactions generated around 50% more energy than the laser energy required to get those reactions going. Arguably the hottest question in laser fusion-energy research right now is how to surpass this result.
Comments (1)

Saif 98

nice👏🏻

Jun 23rd
Reply
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research

How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research

Archie Bott