fusion research

Fusion research is the scientific effort to harness nuclear fusion—the process that powers the sun—as a practical energy source on Earth.

The goal is to fuse light atomic nuclei (typically hydrogen isotopes) under extreme heat and pressure to release enormous amounts of energy.

Fusion research has consumed billions of dollars over decades without yet achieving a commercially viable reactor.

The field centers on solving containment problems, since the plasma must reach temperatures hotter than the sun's core.