Fusion Alternatives

We here at the Focus Fusion Society think the “Focus Fusion” approach is the best concept for realizing the promise of fusion.  However, we also think that all promising alternative routes to fusion should be adequately funded, that the fusion field as a whole needs more money.  What are the other approaches?

Why explore alternatives to fusion?

As noted in the sentiments at the 6th Symposium on Current Trends in International Fusion Research, researchers are alarmed that the US contribution to ITER (the “International Tokamak Experimental Reactor”), rapidly rising to $150 million a year, will be taken from other fusion research. 

Spending all the research money on a single big 35-year long fusion experiment has been compared to building a single hospital to find a cure for cancer.  Researchers have strongly urged that fusion will progress faster if broad-based scientific research is emphasized, including funding for many different devices.

See also Burning Plasma:  Bringing a Star to Earth, a description of current priorities in fusion research with comments by Bruno Coppi of MIT and other links. 

What are the alternatives?

Focus Fusion, of course.  In addition:

Robert Brussard et al working on inertial electric confinement (“IEC”) for pB11 - watch the google video, and our analysis/comparison of his approach to the Focus Fusion approach.

Tri Alpha Energy, Inc. biggest effort, funded by Paul Allen.  Unlike the other approaches here, Tri-Alpha has been more successful at fundraising.  Details to follow.

Paul Koloc with the Plasmak.  Details to follow. 

This website has an overview of several fusion approaches:
Perspectives on Plasmas

This is not an exhaustive list.  Please help us to flesh it out!  Check out the forums if you want to post information about the alternatives you are affiliated with.  Scroll down to the “Alternative Fusion Technologies” section.