Nuclear Fusion: At Last? (Series in Plasma Physics)

This book offers an accessible overview of the diverse approaches being pursued to make fusion energy a reality.Rather than diving into the underlying physics or speculating over future predictions, it focuses on what can be known today: the technologies, the experiments, the challenges, and the players shaping the field. Organised into four parts, the book begins with a broad introduction to fusion before presenting a clear, structured overview of the major approaches, complete with up-to-date snapshots and profiles of key public laboratories and private companies in the field.Chapters explore the cross-cutting scientific, engineering, and safety issues that every fusion concept must confront, including radiation protection and non-proliferation.The book concludes with a discussion on economics, outlining the market realities and uncertainties that will influence the future of the industry. With minimal mathematics and a balanced analysis of pros and cons for each approach, this book