Nuclear power - fusion

In the 1990s, experiments in tokamak magnetic fusion devices have finally a pproached "breakeven''-power out equal to power in-at fusion power levels e xceeding 10 MW, and great progress has also been made with inertial-cofinem ent fusion laser experiments. Based on these results, the requirements to a chieve ignition and high-energy gain are now fairly clear for both approach es. This article focuses on developments in modern plasma physics that led to these achievements and outlines the historical development of the field. Topics include the stability of magnetic fields, field reconnection and th e magnetic dynamo, turbulent heat transport, and plasma absorption of inten se beams of light. The article concludes with a brief discussion of future research directions. [S0034-6861(99)00902-2].