This is a comprehensive book which describes the three essential parts of what is known as "Inertial Confinement Fusion": the way thermonuclear burn takes place in non-magnetized, magnetized and fusion-fission hybrid assemblies; the pulse power ignition technology (nuclear, electrical, optical and chemical); and the applications of inertial confinement fusion technology for peaceful nuclear energy on Earth and in space. An integrated single text of such extensive technical width is a rare find, and younger generations of nuclear engineers any physicists will appreciate this book as a companion to their traditional textbooks.

This is a comprehensive book which describes the three essential parts of what is known as "Inertial Confinement Fusion": the way thermonuclear burn takes place in non-magnetized, magnetized and fusion-fission hybrid assemblies; the pulse power ignition technology (nuclear, electrical, optical and chemical); and the applications of inertial confinement fusion technology for peaceful nuclear energy on Earth and in space.An integrated single text of such extensive technical width is a rare find, and younger generations of nuclear engineers any physicists will appreciate this book as a companion to their traditional textbooks.

1. Introduction. 1.1. Bibliography for chapter 1 -- 2. Nuclear fission and fusion reactions. 2.1. Nuclear binding energies. 2.2. Nuclear reactions. 2.3. Fission chain reactions. 2.4. Thermonuclear reactions. 2.5. Fusion chain reactions. 2.6. Fission-fusion chain reactions. 2.7. Bibliography for chapter 2 -- 3. The thermonuclear plasma. 3.1. Ionization temperature. 3.2. Plasma equation of state. 3.3. Microscopic plasma theory. 3.4. Debye-length. 3.5. Macroscopic plasma theory. 3.6. Magnetohydrodynamics of thermonuclear plasmas. 3.7. Electrostatic and electromagnetic plasma disturbances. 3.8. Magnetohydrodynamic instabilities. 3.9. Radiation pressure. 3.10. Equation of state for cold matter. 3.11. Bibliography for chapter 3 -- 4. Collision processes in thermonuclear plasmas. 4.1. Collision cross sections and mean free path. 4.2. Electrical conductivity. 4.3. Heat conduction. 4.4. Viscosity. 4.5. Energy gain of cold ions by hot electrons. 4.6. Energy loss of hot ions by cold electrons. 4.7. Transport coefficients in the presence of a strong magnetic field. 4.8. Collective collision - the two-stream instability. 4.9. Plasma radiation. 4.10. Radiative plasma cooling and collapse. 4.11. Stopping cross section of ions in cold matter. 4.12. Magnetic Bremsstrahlung. 4.13. Radiation losses near a wall. 4.14. Integrated heat conduction losses of a magnetized plasma cylinder. 4.15. Electron run-away. 4.16. Bibliography for chapter 4

The scientific and technological progress in inertial confinement fusion has been substantial during the past decade. However, many of the technologies needed for an integrated inertial fusion energy system are still at an early stage of technological maturity. For all approaches to inertial fusion energy there remain critical scientific and engineering challenges. In this interim report of the study An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy, the Committee on the Prospects for Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy Systems outlines their preliminary conclusions and recommendations of the feasibility of inertial fusion energy. The committee also describes its anticipated next steps as it prepares its final report.

This book takes a holistic approach to plasma physics and controlled fusion via Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) techniques, establishing a new standard for clean nuclear power generation. Inertial Confinement Fusion techniques to enable laser-driven fusion have long been confined to the black-box of government classification due to related research on thermonuclear weapons applications. This book is therefore the first of its kind to explain the physics, mathematics and methods behind the implosion of the Nd-Glass tiny balloon (pellet), using reliable and thoroughly referenced data sources. The associated computer code and numerical analysis are included in the book. No prior knowledge of Laser Driven Fusion and no more than basic background in plasma physics is required.

The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant.

The book is a presentation of the basic principles and main achievements in the field of nuclear fusion. It encompasses both magnetic and inertial confinements plus a few exotic mechanisms for nuclear fusion. The state-of-the-art regarding thermonuclear reactions, hot plasmas, tokamaks, laser-driven compression and future reactors is given.