Inertial Fusion Energy

Nuclear Masterclass Webinar Series

In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, California, gave the first experimental demonstration of energy gain via nuclear fusion. This achievement has proven repeatable and recent experiments have demonstrated four-fold energy gains, releasing 8.6 MJ of energy using 2.1 MJ of laser energy. Those working on Inertial Fusion Energy aim to develop this process to the point where it can usefully deliver electrical power through the grid. 

In this talk, Dr John Pasley will explore the cutting-edge research behind Inertial Fusion Energy, which involves igniting milligram quantities of fusion fuel in a pulsed fashion using high power lasers in a reaction that produces neither greenhouse gases nor radioactive waste products. 

This webinar is part of the Nuclear Physics Masterclasses. GCSE (or equivalent) students can register to attend the full Pre-16 Nuclear Masterclass and A-level students (or equivalent) can register to attend the full Post-16 Nuclear Masterclass. The webinars are open to all.