By Christopher Cassidy, Science Editor
Another Earth-friendly power source that appears in science fiction is coming closer to reality: nuclear fusion. While the benefits are well known, the problems are daunting. Fusion reactors (if/when made) have 1000 times more output than uranium reactors, and do not create any radioactive waste, only non-polluting helium. Now, to fuse two hydrogen isotopes, they need to be held together for one second at 40 million degrees Kelvin and contained to harness the energy. How to contain this massive reaction, (1000 atomic bombs worth of energy) is a difficult task. Currently, magnetic fields are under research, but haven’t been able to contain the reaction. The world’s most powerful laser is going to be used to fuse the nuclei together, annihilating a neutron in the process. While a power source is the most practical aspect of this project, scientists also would like to observe the fusion process, being the source of energy in the sun. A “star on Earth” is being planned for fusion research.
