Descriptions

• About FFS

  The Focus Fusion Society (FFS) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization located in South Bound Brook, New Jersey.
  
  Our mission is to bring people together to pursue the dream of safe, clean, affordable, abundant energy from aneutronic fusion, to ensure that the ensuing technology is made available to everyone, and to foster a pro-research ethic and pro-fusion culture. More »
  
  Q: What is the relationship of FFS and LPP?

• Challenges

  Aneutronic Fusion is a technological barrier for our civilization. A threshold. We've been aware of this threshold for decades. but we haven't broken through yet. How we navigate this barrier defines us as people. [Please stand by for overall fusion - crash through the barrier - action plan.]

• Get Involved

  Opportunities for action abound! How do we turn our passion for fusion into action? Here is the list!

• Events

  We're using Google Calendars to post events of interest to the Focus Fusion Society. Click on each item for more info. Events in Blue are directly Fusion related. Events in green we'd like to inFUSE with the fusion conversation. We hope to see you at some of these events!

• Press

  Press releases and press coverage.

• What is Focus Fusion?

  Read me first (overview).
  
  "Focus Fusion" is the aneutronic fusion of hydrogen & boron (pB¹¹) fuel using the Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) to create the greenest energy imaginable. Can it be done? We'll know when the LPP Experiment is done.
  
  Q: What is the relationship of FFS and LPP?

  • Aneutronic Fusion

    Nuclear energy has the potential to be weapons and radioactive waste free, but that depends on what process you use. Your choices are:
    
    

    Fission | Neutronic Fusion | Aneutronic Fusion
    
    The ideal choice is aneutronic fusion. (A new...what?) "A" means "without"; "a-neutronic" means without neutrons as a byproduct. What is it about neutrons that makes such a difference? (And what's the catch?)

  • pB11: Hydrogen Boron fuel

    Nuclear fusion has the potential to generate power without the radioactive waste of nuclear fission, but that depends on which atoms you decide to fuse. Conventional fusion approaches work with deuterium and tritium (DT), while focus fusion works with hydrogen and boron eleven (pB¹¹).

  • Dense Plasma Focus ("DPF")

    Invented in 1964, the Dense Plasma Focus ("DPF") is known to generate fusion reactions. The question is: can it generate net energy from fusion? LPP's DPF is designed to test this idea with pB¹¹ fuel. As a proof of concept device, many things had to be taken into consideration for its unique design.

• LPPX - LPP Experiment

  Lawrenceville Plasma Physics (LPP) (@LPPX on twitter) is a private corporation conducting proof-of-concept experiments ("X") to show the feasibility of Focus Fusion.
  
  Technical Reports
  
  Q: What is the relationship of FFS and LPP?

  • LPPX Technical Reports

    Updates and analysis of the LPP Experiment. (A note on our relationship to LPP.)
    
    

    • LPP December 28, 2011 Report
    • LPP November 23, 2011 Report
    • LPP October 17, 2011 Report
    • LPP September 21, 2011 Report
    • LPP August 11, 2011 Report
    • LPP July 8, 2011 Report
    • LPP June 2, 2011 Report
    • LPP May 19, 2011 Report
    • LPP April 15, 2011 Report
    • LPP February, 2011 report
    • LPP 2011 New Years Summary

  • Theory and Goals

    LPP's goal is to use a Dense Plasma Focus ("DPF") with pB¹¹ fuel to achieve net energy from fusion. Behind this goal are several theories that need to be tested. the DPF leverages, rather than fights, plasma instabilities; x-ray emissions are managed with the quantum magnetic field effect (QMFE); LPP’s patented photo-electric conversion device recaptures lost x-ray energy; an initial axial magnetic field optimizes efficiency of energy transfer. The issues are described in this peer reviewed JOFE article and, for a more general audience, in this DPF Film.
    

  • Methodology

    Coming soon, a step by step breakdown of the experiment process. For now, watch the team in motion as they fire a shot and collect the data.

  • Instruments

    At the beginning of 2010, LPP was observing their shots with just two instruments—the Main Rogowski Coil that measured the current, and the Far Time-of-Flight PMT which measured the neutrons and X-rays.
    
    As of now, they have 15 instruments: a silver activation detector, five bubble detectors, two Time-of-Flight PMTs looking at the neutrons, 3 X-ray PMTs, the upper and lower Rogowski coils studying the ion beam, the ICCD camera taking excellent high-resolution photographs, and a high voltage probe measuring the device voltage. In addition, they have up to 12 optical detectors monitoring the firing of the switches. They also have an X-ray pinhole camera installed, but it has not returned images yet as they don’t have enough X-rays.
    
    Wishlisted: LPP hopes to rent an ICCD camera that would take 12 images in sequence (aka a real movie - not a compilation) in a single shot.
    
    Two instrument remain to be installed, the X-ray spectrometer and an X-ray lens. Both of these instruments are intended to be used when they are producing more X-rays after changing to pB11 fuel.
    
    The present large set of instruments, perhaps the largest used to study a single DPF, has been the key to LPP’s ability to accurately measure and to understand the plasma produced in their shots.

  • Troubleshooting

    In any experiment, troubles arise. Here's how we shoot those troubles down.

  • Simulations

    LPP does not at present have the resources to have full time work on the simulation of the DPF that they are developing. However, with the help of LPP contractor Dr. John Guillory and FFS volunteers Henning Burdack and Warwick Dumas, they are approaching the point where a 1-D simulation of the formation of the filaments will be giving useful information. They will also be working on ways to model the kinking of the central filament into the plasmoid. See the DPF animation for a demonstration of filaments and plasmoids.

  • LPP Personnel

    [note this refers to LPP personnel, not FFS. Find out about the difference between LPP and FFS.] Lawrenceville Plasma Physics, Inc. is an advanced research, consulting, and communications firm specializing in applications of plasma physics, especially fusion power. It was founded in 1974 in Lawrenceville, NJ, by Eric Lerner.
    
    

    Current staff

    At the moment, excluding the small simulation team, the project has the equivalent of three full-time technical personnel.  Eric Lerner (the principal investigator) and Krupakar Murali Subramanian (the Senior Research Scientist) are both employed full time.  Fred Van Roessel is LPP's part-time electrical engineer, and Derek Shannon works part-time as a research assistant, and is also part-time as LPP’s Director of Business Development.  This is in addition to Aaron Blake, new full-time Chief Financial Officer, who will now have primary responsibly for conducting the capital drive.
    
    

    Staffing Needs

    The staff of three full-time equivalent technical personnel has proven to be just too small for optimal functioning of the project.  Right now, the pace of progress is limited by the time available to the staff, no matter how productively they work.  Mr. Lerner is wholly responsible for theory and data analysis, and has the primary role in producing reports and the published papers that are essential to LPP’s growing credibility, as well as directing the gathering of experimental data.  Dr. Subramanian has had the primary role in the on-going re-design of the device, participates actively in the experimental shots, and has been very active in the maintenance of the instruments.  Mr. Van Roessel has taken over a leading role in the development and maintence of the instruments, especially the ICCD, and is active in the work on the device itself.  Mr. Shannon helps out wherever needed.  The fact that all have multiple responsibilities means that, for example, they must frequently stop firing the machine to catch up on data analysis, or urgent redesigns, or writing papers.
    
    To make maximum use of the facility, LPP ideally needs a full-time technical staff of five.  They need to hire an additional theoretically-trained plasma physicist to focus exclusively on working with Mr. Lerner on data analysis, and an experienced electrical engineer to focus on the upgrading of the device and instrumentation.  This would allow the team to take data almost continuously and would almost double the amount of data they collect per month, which in turn would almost double LPP's overall rate of progress. 

  • History

    How did this all come about? How long have we been pursuing this question?

  • Milestones

    Actions or events marking a significant change or stage in the development of "Focus Fusion" technology via the LPP Experiment.

• Fusion League

  Fusion scientists are on the front lines of tackling the fusion problem. Our job is to support them. To that end, we've come up with a lot of ideas. So many that we've spun them off onto their own platform - the Fusion Energy League. (A profusion of pro fusion sites!)

  • Reframe Fusion

    So many misconceptions to clear up, so many attitudes about fusion to change, so little time. "Reframe Fusion Campaign »"

  • Financing Fusion

    Fusion research is underfunded. The mission of the Financing Fusion Research Campaign is to bring stakeholders together to provide fusion researchers with the broadest possible funding base; to make the case for funding a diversified, “multi-target” approach to fusion; and to provide a broader range of people and organizations the opportunity to make a difference in creating our fusion future.

  • Policy

    Reasonable, adequate support, Permission to explore, Commitment. Our campaign to change fusion policy to make sure that diverse, potentially faster routes to fusion are adequately supported and that we create space for any "pleasant physics surprise".

  • Data

    How can we improve data support for the quest for fusion? This includes open source science tools, social media, and this website.

• Fusion Future

  For most human beings, any change, even a positive one, raises anxiety levels. Here we discuss the dream of a fusion world and the ordeal of change - the issues that must be addressed to transition from our world to a fusion world.

  • Fusion World

    What does a world that runs on focus fusion look like? Consider a world with safe, cheap, clean, unlimited energy. It's hard to imagine because it's so different from what we have now. Here we develop the vision and explore the possibilities.

  • Transition

    Focus Fusion, if proven to work, is a transformative technology.
    
    If the Plasma Focus device works as theorized, it means that, within a decade, cheap power stations will be popping up all over the world, completely transforming the energy, resource, economic and political dynamics that we are currently operating under.
    
    This section looks at ways to facilitate the transition to fusion world, to make it as universally beneficial as possible.

• Learning Center

  We are developing educational materials to make the concepts behind focus fusion, aneutronic fusion and the race for fusion accessible to a broader public.

  • Electricity

    The goal of aneutronic fusion is to generate electricity directly. What's electricity? Seriously. What is this stuff and why does it keep shocking me?

  • Glossary

    glossary |ˈgläsərē; ˈglô-| noun ( pl. -ries) an alphabetical list of terms or words found in or relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary.

  • Plasma Physics

    The science behind the Focus Fusion approach is based on plasma physics.
    
    "In physics and chemistry, plasma is a partially ionized gas, in which a certain proportion of electrons are free rather than being bound to an atom or molecule. The ability of the positive and negative charges to move somewhat independently makes the plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to electromagnetic fields. Plasma therefore has properties quite unlike those of solids, liquids or gases and is considered to be a distinct state of matter. "
    
    While we get our site together, enjoy Perspectives on Plasmas.

  • Fusion Basics

    What do you need to know to understand fusion?

  • How Green Is It?

    Imagine an ideal energy source. What are your criteria? No Green House Gases, no radiation, no weapons applications, and an end to poverty? Just how green does Aneutronic fusion get?

• Plasma Network

  Coming soon: Jobs, Research programs, educational programs, articles, etc.

  Several attempts have been made to organize DPF researchers. The idea is to form an ongoing network for communication among the researchers internationally, to produce valuable discussion and lead to closer collaboration. Most attempts have been reduced to a method of raising money for a single group. This section looks at the need for networking among plasma focus researchers, and among other fusion approaches. We attempt to compile information about existing networks and find out what their needs are to support them. We also offer this site as a location for networking and will attempt to tailor it to better networking experiences among researchers, students, and policy makers.

• Community

  The fusion community: scientists, technicians, and you!

  • Clubs

    Form a fusion club.

• Pro Fusion Culture

  The best way to break through the fusion technology barrier is to embrace the quest at every level - to become a fusion loving culture.

• Story

  There are many ways to tell the fusion story (redemption story, mythic quest, thriller, documentary, opera). The cool thing is we're living the story now! What's your fusion story?

  • film

    Film and television.

  • Music

    Fusion music!

• Food

  Fusion Foodies, unite and take over.
  
  When we say "fusion" many people think "food". Why fight it? An excellent cultural anchor, a nourishing schema. Let's leverage food to illustrate and celebrate fusion. Fusion Food Campaign »

• Games

  Games leverage fun and play to bring about innovation and growth. Our "Games and Apps" Campaign helps us break the fusion challenge down into workable steps and sets us up for epic wins.
  
  Help us develop these emerging game ideas: Energy League and Brackets Campaign | Focus Fusion Flash Game Trilogy | "fusionville" | BPU 100 – The Energy Grid Game | Zero Sum Research Game | Mind the Churn | Energy Leak, Gain = Q App | Currency and Currency App | Subsidy Tracker App.
  
  Get your fusion game on!

• Consumer Products

  Let's infuse consumer products with fusion! And, corporate sponsorships: let's get them! Anyone using "fusion" in their name ought to support fusion research. Fusion's cultural market share can be increased with a well executed Fusion Consumer Products Campaign (FCPC).

• Contenders in the Fusion Race

  Who is running in the race for controlled nuclear fusion?
  
  The Aneutronic Fusion League ("AFL") features LPP and other aneutronic contenders.
  The Deuterium Tritium Fusion League ("DTFL") features mainline fusion, with two different contender types, MCF and ICF. Filling out the race, a broad range of other Innovative Concepts.
  
  Is this a predictable long distance race? Or will there be upstarts and pleasant physics surprises? Let the games begin.

• Aneutronic Fusion Contenders

  In addition to LPP's Focus Fusion (our favorite!); several other Aneutronic Fusion contenders are on the scene. These include: Polywell fusion including EMC2, the Z-machine, Colliding Beam Fusion (Tri-Alpha's approach), The Electron Spiral Toroid, the Plasmak, Crossfire Fusion. Help us populate this section: Discuss in forums

• Mainline Fusion

  The two main approaches to fusion are magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF), embodied in ITER and NIF.

  • Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF)

    The approach used by ITER. Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) involves confining plasma in a magnetic field cage. The dilute plasmas (less dense than ICF) are heated by various means such as radio waves, energetic particle beams or fusion self/heating. Different MCF approaches involve different ways of producing the magnetic field cage (e.g., compare stellarators with tokamaks.)

  • Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)

    "As seen in Wall Street II: Money Never Sleeps". Known for lasers. ICF approaches work by quickly imploding a tiny target of plasma so that the inertia of the converging particles causes many of them to fuse before they can get away. Density requirements are much higher than for MCF, while confinement time is lower. Pictured at right is the "hohlram" target area with incoming lasers about to fry the plasma into fusion.

• Other Fusion Concepts

  The Innovative Confinement Concepts - although many fall under MCF or ICF.

• Mothballed

  The history of yo-yo fusion funding has left us with many a mothballed and dismantled fusion device. A fusion concept would get a green light, a device would be built, and then a new administration would come along and pull the rug out. Where are these devices (or their parts) now? Is any of them worth reviving? This section is set up to collect info on these mothballed entities. A museum, memorial, for roadkill on the highway to fusion.