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Fusion Ignition and the Path to Inertial Fusion Energy

Journal Article · · The Bridge
OSTI ID:2467591
 [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

The achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL) National Ignition Facility (NIF) in December 2022 was the culmination of more than 60 years of research and development in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion at LLNL. That historic scientific, engineering, and technological accomplishment, a prime example of the value of ingenuity and commitment in the face of a grand scientific challenge, marked a significant advance in LLNL's support of the National Nuclear Security Administration's science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program to maintain the reliability and security of the nation's nuclear deterrent without underground testing. It also furthered Livermore's research in high energy density science and established the fundamental scientific basis for inertial fusion energy (IFE), emboldening further public and private research into the development of IFE as a potential source of abundance clean, safe, and reliable energy. Finally, the U.S. government has funded a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program that LLNL is now leading to make inertial fusion energy a reality.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
2467591
Report Number(s):
LLNL--JRNL-861380; 1092678
Journal Information:
The Bridge, Journal Name: The Bridge Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 120; ISSN 2996-5829
Publisher:
IEEE Eta Kappa Nu
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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