Nuclear Fusion Test Expected in 2010

Two technologies have come together in order for an extraordinary test expected to take place at the end of 2010.  The test will take place in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, located in Northern California.  Testing is slightly delayed by the installation of concrete walls to fortify the laboratory and the addition of new instruments to collect data from the experiment.

The first of two technological advancements is called a hohlraum, which is a metal cylinder containing a fusion fuel pellet.  The pellet is designed to compress it's core to the density required to produce nuclear fusion by using two isotopes of hydrogen known as deuterium and tritium. Under the intense pressure from the second advancement, the isotopes merge and emit energy that is significantly higher than the energy put into the system.

The second advancement is the most powerful laser ever created and heats the hohlraum to 3.3 million °C.  At such a high temperature, the core begins to emit x-rays that cause the core to burst.

Giant laser reaches key milestone for fusion - physics-math - 28 January 2010 - New Scientist

(Illustration: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/Department of Energy)