FuZE Compact Fusion Device - Outlook for Scaling up to Reactor Conditions

The University of Washington and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have partnered to advance the sheared-flow stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch concept and assess its potential for scaling to fusion conditions. The Fusion Z-pinch Experiment (FuZE) expands on UW's ZaP and ZaP-HD SFS devices by employing higher power-handling electrodes along with flexible gas injection and power systems that tailor the discharge current and distribution of gas to establish the required plasma flow and pinch current. An extensive set of diagnostics provide key measurements. We are executing experimental campaigns to increase the pinch current, duration of pinch stability, and DD fusion neutron production guided by both fully-kinetic and fluid based computer simulations. These efforts aim to scale this concept to high current, plasma density, and temperature with a goal of demonstrating a practical path to a compact, low-cost fusion reactor.

Prepared by LLNL under the auspices of Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and USDOE ARPA-E Award Number DE-AR-0000571.