Magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) describes a class of
fusion
Fusion, or synthesis, is the process of combining two or more distinct entities into a new whole.
Fusion may also refer to:
Science and technology Physics
*Nuclear fusion, multiple atomic nuclei combining to form one or more different atomic nucl ...
devices which combine aspects of
magnetic confinement fusion
Magnetic confinement fusion is an approach to generate thermonuclear fusion power that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel in the form of a plasma. Magnetic confinement is one of two major branches of fusion energy research, along with ...
and
inertial confinement fusion
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a fusion energy process that initiates nuclear fusion reactions by compressing and heating targets filled with thermonuclear fuel. In modern machines, the targets are small spherical pellets about the size of ...
in an attempt to lower the cost of fusion devices. MIF uses magnetic fields to confine an initial warm, low-density
plasma, then compresses that
plasma to fusion conditions using an impulsive driver or "liner."
Magneto-inertial fusion approaches differ in the degree of magnetic organization present in the initial target, as well as the nature and speed of the imploding liner. Laser, solid, liquid and plasma liners have all been proposed.
Magneto-inertial fusion begins with a warm dense plasma target containing a
magnetic field. Plasma's
conductivity
Conductivity may refer to:
*Electrical conductivity, a measure of a material's ability to conduct an electric current
**Conductivity (electrolytic), the electrical conductivity of an electrolyte in solution
** Ionic conductivity (solid state), ele ...
prevents it from crossing magnetic field lines. As a result, compressing the target amplifies the magnetic field.
Since the magnetic field reduces particle transport, the field insulates the target from the liner.
In popular fiction
The starships in Mike Kupari's novel ''Her Brother's Keeper'' are propelled in part by magneto-inertial fusion rockets.
See also
*
Inertial confinement fusion
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a fusion energy process that initiates nuclear fusion reactions by compressing and heating targets filled with thermonuclear fuel. In modern machines, the targets are small spherical pellets about the size of ...
(ICF)
*
Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion
*
Magnetized target fusion
Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is a fusion power concept that combines features of magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Like the magnetic approach, the fusion fuel is confined at lower density by magnetic fields ...
*
Helion Energy
Helion Energy, Inc. is an American fusion research company, located in Everett, Washington. They are developing a magneto-inertial fusion technology to produce helium-3 and fusion power via aneutronic fusion, which could produce low-cost clean e ...
*
General Fusion
General Fusion is a Canadian company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, which is developing a fusion power device based on magnetized target fusion (MTF). The company was founded in 2002 by Dr. Michel Laberge. The company has more than 200 emp ...
References
Fusion power
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