It's pretty interesting how there's the view of magnetic confinement being ahead, but then I read pieces like this on the physics, and it seems like inertial confinement is far ahead and magnetic confinement has far more unanswered questions. https://inference-review.com/article/the-quest-for-fusion-energy
Yes…they’re both really far away but my bet is ICF is closer to commercializing. For one thing the management of fast neutron damage in a highly-expensive device that cannot be shielded from the reaction will be an issue. Another issue is how to clear out the “ash” or leftover products from fusion reaction that will poison further reaction if left in the device.
It's pretty interesting how there's the view of magnetic confinement being ahead, but then I read pieces like this on the physics, and it seems like inertial confinement is far ahead and magnetic confinement has far more unanswered questions. https://inference-review.com/article/the-quest-for-fusion-energy
Yes…they’re both really far away but my bet is ICF is closer to commercializing. For one thing the management of fast neutron damage in a highly-expensive device that cannot be shielded from the reaction will be an issue. Another issue is how to clear out the “ash” or leftover products from fusion reaction that will poison further reaction if left in the device.
Pretty good article.
Fantastic summary! I've been in following fusion from the sideline for years and it does seem like we are finally starting to get some breakthroughs!