Problems in fusion research
DOI: 10.1063/1.3050873
The aim of fusion research is the economical release of energy by combining light‐element nuclei—the energy source of the stars. Consequently, we require stellar temperatures which are in the region of ten to a hundred million degrees, and, since at these temperatures all matter is ionized, the problems of fusion research are the problems of high‐temperature plasma research. Such high temperatures are required because we need to impart sufficient kinetic energy to the reacting nuclei to overcome the mutual coulomb barrier. We do not have the advantage of that natural fluke, the fission process, which can proceed at room temperature because it makes use of the neutron for barrier penetration.
More about the Authors
J. A. Reynolds. General Electric Research Laboratory.
