Fusion technology refers to the methods and technologies used to achieve controlled nuclear fusion, a process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. In the context of Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and similar ventures, the aim is to harness this energy for power generation.
Here's an overview of how fusion technology works:
1. Fusion Process: Fusion occurs when two light atomic nuclei, usually isotopes of hydrogen (like deuterium and tritium), combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. The most common reaction is the fusion of deuterium and tritium.
2. Containment: To achieve fusion, extremely high temperatures and pressures are required to overcome the natural repulsion between positively charged atomic nuclei. This is typically done by confining a plasma of hydrogen isotopes in a magnetic field, preventing it from touching the walls of the containment vessel.
3. Heating the Plasma: The plasma, a superheated, electrically charged gas, needs to be heated to temperatures exceeding those found at the core of the sun. This is often accomplished using various methods, such as heating it with high-energy beams or using magnetic fields to confine and compress the plasma.
4. Magnetic Confinement: CFS, among other organizations, employs superconducting magnets to create and sustain the magnetic field necessary to confine the plasma. These magnets are cooled to extremely low temperatures to achieve superconductivity and generate powerful magnetic fields.
5. Fusion Reaction and Energy Generation: Once the conditions are right, the isotopes collide and fuse, releasing energy in the form of high-energy neutrons and charged particles. This energy can be converted into electricity using traditional power plant technologies.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems focuses on using high-temperature superconductors and a novel magnet technology called "SPARC" to make smaller, more affordable, and more efficient fusion reactors. Their approach aims to create a fusion power plant that is compact, more cost-effective, and easier to build compared to traditional fusion reactor designs.
Understanding fusion technology involves the physics of plasma, superconductivity, materials science, and engineering challenges related to containing and harnessing the immense energy released during a fusion reaction. It's a complex but promising field that, if successful, could provide a virtually limitless, clean, and sustainable energy source.
Contact Information 
press@cfs.energy 
info@cfs.energy 
117 Hospital Rd Devens, MA 01434