Some near-term applications of fusing plasmas

The possible development of confined fusing plasma devices for near-term ap plications such as neutron activation analysis is discussed. The inertial e lectrostatic confinement (IEC) device is used as an example. Current units are being developed for use as a low-yield portable neutron source for NAA. The strategy for extension to an intense neutron source for uses such as n eutron damage studies is discussed. The "in-line" development of fusing pla sma applications is viewed as an important supporting element in the longer term progress of fusion power development.