Unlocking the future of energy: A comprehensive guide to the challenges and prospects of controllable nuclear fusion

Abstract

There are different problems with the current ways of providing energy. Now, we are facing an energy crisis. Nuclear fusion has the advantages of cleanliness and efficiency, and has the potential to become our ultimate energy source. Nuclear fusion is a process in which two nuclei combine to form one nucleus, resulting in mass loss and energy generation. It requires high temperature, high pressure, and high density as reaction conditions. At present, people have achieved uncontrollable nuclear fusion - hydrogen bombs, and only controllable nuclear fusion can provide us with stable energy. The main technological routes of controllable nuclear fusion are inertial confinement fusion and magnetic confinement fusion, each with its own characteristics and facing its own problems. The development of controllable nuclear fusion is also constrained by issues such as how to achieving net energy gain and tritium self-sufficiency. Different scientific technologies, such as superconductor, new fuels, and aerospace, will greatly contribute to the future development of controllable nuclear fusion.