Applications of fusion and plasma device technologies

Abstract

Abstract Forty years of fusion research and development have resulted in the creation of the new science of plasma physics and the associated technologies to produce and manipulate plasmas over a wide range of temperatures and densities. Although the goal of producing electricity from fusion remains in the distant future, much of the associated science and technologies are being used for commercial applications today or are poised for applications in the near future. This paper describes applications such as plasma etching of semiconductor integrated circuits; ion implantation for hardening tools, dies and industrial metals; printing of polymer films; deposition of anti-corrosion coatings; production of high-performance ceramics; treatment of hazardous waste; surface cleaning of materials; laser and pulsed x-ray applications; and many other applications. The current world market for these applications exceeds $100 billion per year.