Titled “Photonics for the Energy Production Market: Focus on Fusion Energy,” the report shows how advanced light technologies are important in advancing fusion power, which mimics the sun’s energy generation process.<\/p>\n
Fusion energy involves merging light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, this process occurs at temperatures of around 100 million degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n
However nuclear fission relies on finite resources and generates long-lasting radioactive waste, fusion offers a nearly unlimited energy source with minimal environmental impact. However, achieving this has always been seen as a complex scientific challenge.<\/p>\n
The report shows that photonics, the science of generating and using light, plays a key role in developing the precise components necessary for fusion reactors.<\/p>\n
Powerful lasers, crucial to initiating fusion reactions, compress and heat fuel pellets to simulate stellar conditions.<\/p>\n
Photonic technologies are also crucial for monitoring and controlling the extreme environments within fusion plants, making sure the is stability and efficiency in the fusion process.<\/a><\/p>\n The report also shows innovative companies like Renaissance Fusion, a French startup that recently raised \u20ac16.4 million to develop stellarator reactors using cutting-edge photonics techniques. By using lasers to accurately shape superconducting coils, Renaissance Fusion demonstrates how photonics can streamline manufacturing processes and improve the efficiency of fusion energy systems.<\/a><\/p>\n The wider impact of the photonics industry is also noteworthy. Facilities like France\u2019s Laser Megajoule are not only advancing fusion research but also promoting a strong ecosystem that creates thousands of jobs and stimulates technological advancements across various sectors.<\/p>\n As more sustainable energy solutions become in demand, these findings show that photonics is not just a tool but an important enabler of the fusion revolution.<\/p>\n The post Fusion energy: The photon revolution in clean power generation<\/a> appeared first on Open Access Government<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A new report from Photonics21, led by French market intelligence firm Tematys, looks at the importance of photonics in realising fusion energy.<\/p>\nImproving the efficiency of fusion energy systems<\/h3>\n