Physicists spot the signatures of nuclear fusion in a table-top device

In summary, The University of Washington team has produced neutrons characteristic of nuclear fusion using a tabletop device. This discovery offers a potential route towards compact fusion-energy generators, as an alternative to large-scale, tokamak-based devices.
  • #1
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Want a nuclear fusion reactor for your home or office? No problemo...

https://physicsworld.com/a/physicists-spot-the-signatures-of-nuclear-fusion-in-a-table-top-device/

Neutrons characteristic of nuclear fusion have been produced sustainably inside a device that is small enough to fit on a tabletop. Yue Zhang at the University of Washington and colleagues observed the neutrons following efforts to stabilize the accelerated plasma contained within a Z-pinch, a device that for decades has been used by astronomers to recreate the hot plasmas typical of a stellar interior. The new work offers a potential route towards compact fusion-energy generators, as an alternative to large-scale, tokamak-based devices.

A Z-pinch device works by running a strong current along a tube of accelerated plasma, inducing a Lorentz force that generates a strong magnetic field within the plasma. This field “pinches” the plasma by bringing particles closer together – increasing its pressure, and therefore, its temperature.
 
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  • #2
jedishrfu said:
Want a nuclear fusion reactor for your home or office?
I think I'll buy stock in this new clothing line...

https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1zKJO...-H-lead-apron-for-panoramic-x.jpg_350x350.jpg
241974
 
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  • #3
I like the model and the multi regional descriptions:
- American snaps
- Taiwan Velcro
- Oxford fabrics

They forgot the Tinfoil hat.
 
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  • #4
Article says the plasma has 200kA going through it, is that induced current from an electromagnet? Assuming it is, how much power is needed to sustain the current?
 
  • #5
You can achieve fusion with a simple accelerator with tens of kV accelerating voltage. That is not the challenge. The challenge is to get more energy out than you put in, and I don't see them getting anywhere close to that with their Z pinch.
 
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  • #6
Actually I was mostly interested in the effective resistance of the plasma. Clearly it must be low, which makes sense thinking about it...
 
  • #7
Sounds like the Scylla machine in the 50's that had a theta pinch and produced a pulse of neutrons. After investigation, what was discovered was 'the sausage instability' rather than thermonuclear fusion.

In essence, two 'sausages' of plasma pinched off at a point which generated huge electric fields and duly accelerated deuterons to the necessary energies for fusion in the gap that formed between them.

History is now repeating itself for magnetic confinement fusion?

What is the confinement time they are suggesting? Microseconds, I suppose...
 

1. What is nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This is the same process that powers the sun and other stars.

2. How do physicists detect signatures of nuclear fusion in a table-top device?

Physicists use various techniques to detect the signatures of nuclear fusion in a table-top device. One common method is to measure the energy and types of particles that are produced during the fusion reaction. They may also use instruments such as spectrometers and detectors to analyze the radiation emitted during the reaction.

3. What is a table-top fusion device?

A table-top fusion device is a small-scale apparatus designed to produce and control nuclear fusion reactions in a laboratory setting. These devices are typically much smaller and less expensive than traditional large-scale fusion reactors, making them more accessible for research and experimentation.

4. What are the potential applications of table-top fusion devices?

Table-top fusion devices have the potential to revolutionize the energy industry by providing a virtually limitless source of clean and sustainable energy. They could also be used in medical applications, such as cancer treatment, and in the production of new materials and isotopes for various industries.

5. Are table-top fusion devices a viable source of energy?

While there is still much research and development needed, table-top fusion devices have shown promising results and have the potential to become a viable source of energy in the future. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, such as controlling and sustaining the fusion reaction, before these devices can be used on a larger scale.

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