Reply To: Boron availability

[asymmetric_implosion]

NIF was built to be Q>1. It’s hard to simulate weapons when Q1 but it is likely through brute force alone. NIF has yet to run an optimized load. They are running test loads to calibrate the simulations and test diagnostics. This is normal practice when bringing up a large experiment. If you don’t return to previously tried experiments you won’t know if you are repeating them.

ITER was designed to be Q>1 but there are a number of technical challenges and political hurdles. The debt crisis in the EU could hamper ITER. Technical challenges include the survivability of the first wall and plasma heating.

As far as p-11B goes, the large science community has taken the perspective that you walk before you run. LPP has taken the same approach; start with D-D or D-T. Admittedly, a tokamek that can use p-11B or any aneutronic fuel is unlikely. Aneutronic fuel may be possible with NIF, but I doubt anyone will try it. NIF isn’t about controlled fusion energy; it is about simulating weapons.