The Physics of Inertial Fusion

Book excerpt: This book is on fusion energy, burning hydrogen which is available from water. It is the energy source of the sun. It produces neither greenhouse gases leading to global warming nor long-lived nuclear waste. Here we describe how to use powerful lasers to ignite the hydrogen fuel. There are presently two large laser facilities under construction to demonstrate that this method works. This book is about the physics of this future energy source and addresses people who work on it or want to understand its technical basis.