Abstract
The rationale for an expanded effort on the development of inertial fusion as an energy source is discussed. It is argued that there should be a two-pronged, complementary approach to fusion energy development over the next two to three decades: (1) Magnetic Fusion (MFE) via ITER and the supporting magnetic domestic program and (2) Inertial Fusion (IFE), a credible, affordable approach that exploits unique US strengths and current world leadership. IFE is only a few years away from demonstration of single-shot ignition and fusion energy gain via NIF. Enhanced funding for IFE R&D is needed in the near-term in order to prepare to expeditiously proceed beyond NIF to the energy application of inertial fusion.
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Acknowledgments
This paper has been prepared with input, review, comment and/or discussions with a broad cross section of the IFE community. The author specifically acknowledges the assistance of the following individuals: L. John Perkins (LLNL); Steve Obenschain and John Sethian (NRL); Stan Skupsky and John Soures (U. Rochester); B. Grant Logan (LBNL); Chris Barty, John Lindl, Wayne Meier, Ed Moses, and Ed Synakowski (LLNL); Gerald Kulcinski (U.Wisconsin); Mike Campbell (General Atomics); Tom Melhorne (Sandia Labs).
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Dean, S.O. The Rationale for an Expanded Inertial Fusion Energy Program. J Fusion Energ 27, 149–153 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-007-9128-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-007-9128-8