Recent advances in fusion research have solved many problems that have previously slowed the development of fusion energy devices. Three of the major advances are the stabilizing effect of a free lithium wall, the complete burn-up of tritium in a deuterium tritium (DT) tokamak, and the use of plasma ripple to substantially reduce fusion alpha particle population from the plasma in order to enhance the reactor efficiency. The alpha particles ejected via the ripple mechanism are mixed with hydrogen and exhausted through a nozzle to produce thrust.
Publications:
N. N. Gorelenkov, L. E. Zakharov, M. A. Paluszek and P. Bhatta, Magnetic Fusion Engine, in Proc. 43rd AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference, Cincinnati, OH, July, 2007.