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Yet Another Method Of Achieving Nuclear Fusion

Posted by Zonk on from the zap dept.

deglr6328 writes "Recent research has seen the use of the pyroelectric effect, the compression of bubbles using ultrasound and gas jet irradiation for producing nuclear fusion on small tabletop-scales. Yet another method can now be added to the list which uses ultraintense laser irradiation striking a borated plastic target to heat a plasma to billion kelvin temperatures and achieves aneutronic (clean) proton-boron fusion. (The PRL paper can be read online.) Though, like the other recently discovered exotic methods of attaining fusion, it does not look like a method which can be scaled up to ignition or even anywhere near break even, it still may have important use in the laboratory for the examination of such incredibly high temperature plasmas."

3 of 212 comments (clear)

  1. Why bother with fusion? by Saven+Marek · · Score: 1, Troll

    With the rapid increases in solar and wind and geothermal and hot fractured rock and wave/water energy anyone searching for fusion as a way to provide power is just searching for a solution without a problem. We dont need the dangers of fission OR fusion we have what we already need right here with currence technology

    If only we'd use it

    1. Re:Why bother with fusion? by dasunt · · Score: 1, Troll

      Shame on you for pointing out that Nuclear Fission provides cost-effective energy with today's technology, already tested, and will scale up. ;)

      But this is slashdot, and we all find future tech to be much more interesting.

      Just today I was reading a proposal to fly wind turbines like a kite, tethered to the ground, to harness high energy winds. A rather interesting concept, although decades away from being implimented as a power source, even if it does pan out.

      There is also a project that is planning to build a rather powerful (by solar-energy standards, not by conventional power plant MW standards) solar tower in New South Wales. If built, it will have a tower 1 kilometer in height. A rather ambitious project for the projected returns on what it will cost, but I'd like to see a kilometer high tower. :)

    2. Re:Why bother with fusion? by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 0, Troll

      Moderation 0
          50% Troll
          50% Funny

      Saying that fusion is a solution without a problem is "Funny". But TrollMods who love fusion, but fear actually arguing, are a problem themselves.

      --

      --
      make install -not war