Nuclear fusion introduction and artificial fusion status

Abstract

Nuclear fusion, a process that has the potential to revolutionize the world's energy landscape, is the subject of extensive research due to its promise of providing a clean and safe energy source. The article outlines the essential principles of nuclear fusion and the chronology of its discovery, from early predictions to its initial realization in the first half of the 20th century. It also highlights the extreme requirements and challenges associated with fusion. Furthermore, the article introduces two natural nuclear fusion reactions: thermonuclear fusion and pycnonuclear fusion. In the final section, the focus shifts to artificial nuclear fusion, discussing the progression from the uncontrollable hydrogen bomb to efforts toward controlled atomic fusion since the mid-20th century. The article emphasizes various nuclear fusion configurations (Tokamak, Stellarator, ICF, Magnetic mirrors, and z-pinch) that have been proposed globally, detailing their features, strengths, and weaknesses.