Approaches to Fusion Energy

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts and research status of fusion energy, focusing on the two main approaches: Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) and Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF). It discusses the conditions required for energy generation, the Lawson criterion, compression techniques, and the challenges faced in achieving fusion reactions. The instructor explains the physics behind ICF, including driver beams, time scales, and the rocket effect. Additionally, it explores the progress in ICF research, the National Ignition Facility (NIF), and the engineering constraints related to magnetic fields, neutron loads, and nuclear physics in MCF. The lecture concludes with a summary of the discussion on MCF, highlighting the typical values for a fusion reactor and the key parameters affecting its design.