47 min listen
How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research
How the weird and wonderful properties of magnetised laser plasmas could ignite fusion-energy research
ratings:
Length:
44 minutes
Released:
Jun 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Archie Bott explains how a promising scheme for fusion relies on a novel feature of hot laser-plasmas: introducing a magnetic field of the correct strength alters the plasma’s fundamental properties in a highly counterintuitive yet beneficial manner. One key scientific breakthrough of 2022 was the achievement of fusion ignition; using the world’s largest laser facility, physicists created a plasma in which nuclear fusion reactions generated around 50% more energy than the laser energy required to get those reactions going. Arguably the hottest question in laser fusion-energy research right now is how to surpass this result.
Released:
Jun 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (86)
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