The Problem and Challenges of Controlled Fusion

By reading the first four chapters of this book, we arrive at the conclusion of our plasma physics studies—studies that are required for comprehending the issue of controlled thermonuclear reactions. This issue served as the initial catalyst for the development of the brand new field of plasma physics. Realizing this goal would result in a potentially endless source of energy (lasting hundreds of millions of years) at virtually negligible fuel expense, as the only fuel needed in the ultimate fusion reactor is the heavy hydrogen in saltwater. Controlled fusion is the most significant scientific challenge mankind has ever faced because of the profound influence it would have on our civilization. Now in this chapter, we deal with the problems and challenges of controlled fusion.