Fusion energy at MIT: from empirical to first-principles understanding of burning plasmas

June 26, 2023
3:00pm to 4:00pm

CFTMAT Auditorium

Theoretical Physics, general interest
Speaker: 
Pablo Rodriguez-Fernandez
Institution: 
MIT
Location&Place: 

CFTMAT Auditorium

Abstract: 

Fusion energy using magnetic confinement devices such as tokamaks is becoming closer to its realization as an energy source. Records are attained every year in experiments worldwide, ITER construction is progressing and private investment is flowing into the field. In this talk, we will introduce fusion, its challenges and how the SPARC tokamak (under construction by Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and in collaboration with MIT) is poised to achieve net plasma gain in a few years.