Thinking ahead – fusion energy for the 21st century?
Useful sites
Fusion science slide show (General Atomics Fusion Education)
An online slideshow that provides basic information about fusion, a comparison of fuel requirements for different sources of energy, an explanation of how fusion reactors work and current fusion energy research projects.
European Commission
Introduction to fusion
Includes sections on how fusion works, the advantages of fusion and a brief history of fusion research.
A small dose of basic nuclear physics
Answers the questions:
- What are the basic building blocks of an atom?
- What is the binding energy of a nucleon?
- What is the mechanism of energy release during nuclear fission and fusion?
- What are stable and unstable nuclei?
- Why does the radioactive decay of nuclei take place?
For students and educators (European Fusion Development Agreement)
Provides general information about fusion, the ITER project, a picture gallery, and answers to frequently asked questions.
European Fusion Development Agreement Joint European Torus (UK)
Fusion basics and glossary
Looks at the conditions required for a fusion reaction to occur, magnetic plasma confinement and heating and measuring the plasma.
Focus on: computer modelling of fusion plasmas
Looks at some of the advantages and drawbacks of computer modelling of plasmas.
Focus on: fusion technology
Provides a diagram of the ITER site and describes some of the research of the Joint European Torus that is relevant to future research of ITER.
History of JET and scientific achievements
Provides a summary of JET, a timeline of fusion research at JET and a strategy to achieve a commercial fusion power plant.
How stuff works (USA)
How nuclear fusion reactors work
Provides an introduction to fusion including the conditions required for fusion, plasma confinement and fusion applications.
How nuclear radiation works
Describes the process of nuclear radiation and radioactive decay.
How plasma displays work
Explains how plasma TV screens work.
How fluorescent lamps work
Explains how fluorescent lamps emit light and why fluorescent lamps are more efficient than incandescent lighting.
How electromagnets work
Describes how electromagnets work and suggests some simple experiments with an electromagnet.
Fusion (Catalyst, 27 April 2006, Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Discusses what fusion is and shows an experimental fusion reactor in action.
What are plasmas? (Perspectives on plasma, USA)
Provides basic information about the use of plasmas for energy production, manufacturing and business.
Page updated August 2007.