Finding the questions that guide MIT fusion research

After four decades at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Deputy Director Martin Greenwald embodies a brief history of fusion at MIT.

Paul Rivenberg | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
April 8, 2022 • ~7 min

Nuclear fusion hit a milestone thanks to better reactor walls – this engineering advance is building toward reactors of the future

In January 2022, the JET fusion experiment produced more power over a longer period of time than any past attempt. Two physicists explain the engineering advancements that made the result possible.

Livia Casali, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
April 4, 2022 • ~10 min

Nuclear fusion record broken – what will it take to start generating electricity? Podcast

Plus, the social pressure some people feel to be happy in the world’s happiest countries. Listen to The Conversation Weekly.

Gemma Ware, Editor and Co-Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 24, 2022 • ~6 min

Nuclear fusion: how excited should we be?

Fusion produces more energy per gram of fuel than any other process that could be achieved on Earth.

Lee Packer, Applied Radiation Physics Section Leader, Culham Centre for Fusion Energy • conversation
Feb. 23, 2022 • ~8 min

Have we made an object that could travel 1% the speed of light?

The fastest things ever made by humans are spacecraft, and the fastest spacecraft reached 330,000 mph – only 0.05% the speed of light. But there are ways to go faster.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Nov. 15, 2021 • ~5 min

Radio-frequency wave scattering improves fusion simulations

By incorporating the scattering of RF waves into fusion simulations, MIT physicists improve heating and current drive predictions for fusion plasmas.

Paul Rivenberg | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
Nov. 10, 2021 • ~6 min

3 Questions: Daniel Cohn on the benefits of high-efficiency, flexible-fuel engines for heavy-duty trucking

MIT researchers propose a gasoline-ethanol engine that is cleaner and more cost-effective than existing diesel engine technologies to help meet vehicle emission reduction goals.

MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Sept. 15, 2021 • ~10 min

MIT-designed project achieves major advance toward fusion energy

New superconducting magnet breaks magnetic field strength records, paving the way for practical, commercial, carbon-free power.

David Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Sept. 8, 2021 • ~12 min

Using graphene foam to filter toxins from drinking water

MIT-led research team fashions graphene foam into device that can extract uranium and other heavy metals from tap water.

Leda Zimmerman | Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering • mit
Aug. 4, 2021 • ~8 min

Manipulating magnets in the quest for fusion

After decades of plasma physics research, Senior Research Scientist Brian LaBombard is taking on magnets for MIT’s new fusion effort.

Paul Rivenberg | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
July 20, 2021 • ~7 min

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