Articles tagged with Fusion Energy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.
The new platform, led by PPPL, aims to speed up simulations needed to advance fusion energy research. STELLAR-AI will integrate CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs to tackle the challenges of private fusion companies, enabling faster design and optimization of stellarator devices.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with Type One Energy and the University of Tennessee to establish a world-class high-heat flux facility in East Tennessee. The facility will evaluate how materials react under extreme conditions in a fusion device, accelerating the development of plasma-facing components and enabling the ...
Zap Energy's FuZE-3 device has reached electron pressures of up to 830 MPa, or 1.6 GPa total, in a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch, a major milestone on the path to scientific energy gain. The device achieves this high pressure through independent control of plasma acceleration and compression.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has partnered with Japan and Europe on the world's largest fusion machine, JT-60SA. The U.S. lab will provide an advanced measurement tool, XICS, to help scientists better understand and control the plasma inside the machine.
Scientists at MIT developed a method to predict how plasma in a tokamak will behave during rampdown, achieving high accuracy with limited data. This new model could significantly improve the safety and reliability of future fusion power plants.
Hundreds of physicists from around the world will convene to present new research at the 67th annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Plasma Physics. The conference features presentations on fusion energy, plasma turbulence, laser plasma acceleration, and more.
A groundbreaking review article reveals that solar-driven water electrolysis can be used to produce high-value chemicals sustainably, transforming the industry from cost-losing to economically compelling. The paper argues that introducing high-value syntheses into solar electrolysis systems could revolutionize the field.
MIT engineers have developed a novel palladium membrane that remains stable at high temperatures, enabling more energy-efficient and cheaper production of hydrogen fuel. The new design allows for the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures at much higher temperatures than conventional membranes.
A new AI system called Diag2Diag analyzes sensor data to provide synthetic information for failing or degraded sensors in fusion systems, enhancing robustness and reducing complexity. This technology has the potential to make fusion energy more economical and reliable, enabling 24/7 operation without interruption.
Century's sustained average power has increased 20x to 39 kilowatts, a major step toward commercial fusion power plants using repetitive pulsed power and liquid metal energy transfer. The platform achieves record-breaking operations with 100 plasma shots at 0.2 Hz.
The SNU–APCTP joint research team experimentally demonstrated multiscale coupling in plasma, a phenomenon that explains how microscopic instabilities drive macroscopic structural changes. Their findings have significant implications for fusion energy development and astrophysical plasma study.
The ORNL-led FIRE Collaboratives will focus on closing critical gaps in fusion materials, blanket and coolant technology, liquid metal components, and reactor modeling. The project aims to develop a new paradigm for fusion plasma-facing materials and accelerate the deployment of next-generation PFCs.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been awarded $6.1 million to lead three research collaborations tackling fusion energy challenges. The projects focus on advanced materials, plasma diagnostics, and simulation technologies to accelerate the development of fusion energy.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated that electrochemically loading a solid metal target with deuterium fuel can increase fusion reaction rates by an average of 15%. The approach uses a room-temperature reactor and achieves this boost without generating heat, paving the way for clean energy generation.
Researchers are developing a new system to use nuclear waste to produce valuable tritium, which could power over 500,000 homes for six months. The system uses a particle accelerator to jump-start atom-splitting reactions in the waste, producing more tritium than traditional fusion reactors.
Researchers have developed a new AI approach called HEAT-ML that accelerates calculations of magnetic shadows in fusion vessels, enabling faster design and operation. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in fusion power generation and potentially limitless clean energy.
A global collaboration found that co-deposition is the dominant driver of fuel retention in lithium walls, and adding lithium during operation is more effective than pre-coating. The study offers insights into managing tritium, a rare fusion fuel, and improving plasma stability.
PPPL's Jack Berkery is heading to Japan as a Fulbright Specialist to share research on spherical tokamaks and strengthen ties with Kyushu University. He will present PPPL research at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Plasma Physics, focusing on spherical tokamaks and their preparations for NSTX-U's next phase of operations.
Dr. Jonas Ohland will lead the ALADIN project to develop stable, efficient lasers for inertial confinement fusion. The goal is to improve beam guidance and reduce manual intervention, benefiting not only fusion research but also other high-power laser applications.
A new simulation approach has been developed to model plasmas used in computer chip manufacturing, allowing for improved stability and efficiency. The new code accurately conserves energy, helping to ensure the results reflect real physical processes.
A University of Texas-led team has discovered a shortcut to design leak-proof magnetic confinement systems in stellarator reactors, addressing a 70-year-old challenge. This breakthrough enables engineers to simulate the system more efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, paving the way for the development of reliable fusion energy.
ITER has completed its pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, the largest and most powerful in the world, with significant contributions from USA, Russia, Europe, and China. The system is expected to produce a tenfold energy gain and demonstrate the viability of fusion as an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source.
Researchers developed an advanced microscopic method to map residual stress in ultra-narrow weld zones, revealing the impact on P91 steel's strength and brittleness. The findings provide critical insights for designing safer and longer-lasting fusion energy systems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered how a group of proteins linked to Parkinson's and ALS act as 'guardians' of mitochondria, maintaining their normal size and function. The study found that when mitochondria become too large, they leak mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, triggering an inflammatory response.
Five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have been elected AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in experimental condensed matter physics, microbial ecology, catalysis, and energy applications. Ho Nyung Lee was recognized for his research on oxide quantum materials, while David Graham's contributions to microbial biochemistry...
A new physics basis for a practical fusion pilot power plant has been developed by Type One Energy, setting the stage for commercial fusion power plants. The design builds on stellarator fusion technology, which has shown success in research settings, and addresses scaling up to a pilot plant.
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Experts discuss scientific and technological challenges in the energy transition, including solar technologies, hydrogen, batteries, grid management, and future energy sources. The joint paper recommends innovations leading to next-gen photovoltaic technology, green hydrogen production, and AI-powered grid management.
SLAC is part of a collaborative team led by General Atomics to develop fusion fuel targets and overcome critical technological challenges. The lab will receive $1 million per year to develop advanced target tracking technology, helping bridge basic research with the growing fusion industry.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
A new Zap research paper validates the company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion approach by measuring nearly isotropic neutron energies, indicating stable thermal plasma. This achievement provides a benchmark milestone for scaling fusion to higher energy yields and confidence in reaching higher performance on the FuZE-Q device.
A simulation study clarifies the physical mechanism of coupled plasma fluctuations, which can lead to significant losses of energetic particles in fusion research. The study reveals that the two fluctuations occur in a coupled manner via deformation of the energetic particle distribution function.
The SMART device has successfully generated its first tokamak plasma, bringing international fusion community closer to achieving sustainable and clean energy. The achievement represents a major step towards the development of compact fusion power plants based on Spherical Tokamaks.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has been awarded a $20 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop high-performance materials for fusion energy systems. The project, IMPACT, aims to revolutionize material design and manufacturing, addressing a key challenge in making fusion energy commercially viable.
The US Department of Energy awards $107 million to six projects in the Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives, supporting commercial fusion energy development. Several privately funded fusion companies complete early critical-path science and technology milestones in the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
International researchers have found that energetic particles can alter the structure of edge-localized modes in tokamaks. This interaction mechanism could lead to more efficient ELM control techniques and improved plasma stability. The study's results have significant implications for future fusion power plants.
A team of researchers discovered supra-thermal DT ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in ICF burning plasmas. The new hybrid model predicts a ~10 ps ignition moment promotion, enhanced alpha particle densities at the hotspot center, and the presence of supra-thermal D ions below 34 keV.
Researchers discovered supra-thermal DT ions beyond Maxwellian distributions in burning plasmas of inertial confinement fusion. The findings, achieved through innovative modeling and simulations, challenge existing models and offer new insights into the physics of these extreme conditions.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with the UK's Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and private fusion company Tokamak Energy Ltd. to upgrade the privately owned ST40 facility for $52 million. This collaboration aims to advance fusion science and technology needed for a future fusion pilot plant.
Researchers tested ODS FeCrAl alloys in a liquid LiPb environment and found that they form durable γ-LiAlO2 layers, which provide strong resistance to corrosion. The study's findings are crucial for improving material durability in fusion reactors and high-temperature energy systems.
The project aims to identify and fabricate optimized first-wall materials using advanced computer simulations enhanced by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of new materials by 100-fold. The research will leverage synthesis, irradiation, and testing facilities to conduct a high-impact materials discovery campaign.
A new model based on the Langevin equation offers insights into exotic nuclei formation, enhancing the production of rare isotopes for scientific and medical applications. The model simplifies complex nuclear reactions by focusing on key physical processes, reducing adjustable parameters and improving energy dissipation predictions.