Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition
Friday, October 11, 2013 - 10:20
in Physics & Chemistry
Theoretical physicists use simulations to investigate the uniformity of irradiation at the ignition stage of thermonuclear fusion reaction. One of the ways to achieve thermonuclear fusion is through a controlled reaction between two light variants of hydrogen, called deuterium and tritium. Scientists have now made theoretical calculations indicating how best to improve the ignition stage of fusion reaction. Their approach involves increasing the uniformity of irradiation using high-power laser beams on the external shell of a spherical capsule containing a mix of deuterium and tritium.