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Fundamental Concepts

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Book cover Nuclear Fusion

Part of the book series: Graduate Texts in Physics ((GTP))

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Abstract

The suitability of nuclear fusion as a long-term solution to the planet’s energy demands is addressed from the standpoints of sustainability, economics, proliferation issues, environmental impact, and intrusiveness. Some estimates are given for the amount of fusion fuel available on Earth for use in fusion power. A history of experimental fusion research is given, from the first experiment in 1938 up to the present time. The current generation of large fusion experiments, including tokamaks and laser fusion devices, is described from the standpoint of the scientific and political background leading up to the decision to build these machines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Edward Morse

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  1. Edward Morse
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Morse, E. (2018). Fundamental Concepts. In: Nuclear Fusion. Graduate Texts in Physics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98171-0_1

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