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Division Spotlight
Fusion Energy
This division promotes the development and timely introduction of fusion energy as a sustainable energy source with favorable economic, environmental, and safety attributes. The division cooperates with other organizations on common issues of multidisciplinary fusion science and technology, conducts professional meetings, and disseminates technical information in support of these goals. Members focus on the assessment and resolution of critical developmental issues for practical fusion energy applications.
Meeting Spotlight
Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Christmas Night
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the houseNo electrons were flowing through even my mouse.
All devices were plugged in by the chimney with careWith the hope that St. Nikola Tesla would share.
R. C. Montesanti, E. T. Alger, L. J. Atherton, S. D. Bhandarkar, C. Castro, E. G. Dzenitis, G. J. Edwards, A. V. Hamza, J. L. Klingmann, D. M. Lord, A. Nikroo, T. G. Parham, J. L. Reynolds, R. M. Seugling, M. Stadermann, M. F. Swisher, J. S. Taylor, P. J. Wegner
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 59 | Number 1 | January 2011 | Pages 70-77
Technical Paper | Nineteenth Target Fabrication Meeting | doi.org/10.13182/FST10-3713
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Precision Robotic Assembly Machine was developed to manufacture the small and intricate laser-driven fusion ignition targets that are being used in the National Ignition Facility. The machine enables one person to assemble a high-quality precision target in 1 day with repeatable quality. The target assembly technician provides top-level control of the machine, initiating and controlling the movement of the motorized precision instruments. Hand movements are scaled to precision at the 100-nm level. Sensors embedded in the manipulator system provide 100-mg resolution force and gram-millimeter resolution torque feedback of the contact loads between delicate components being assembled with micrometer-level or no clearance. Combining precision motion control with force and torque feedback provides active compliance for assembling tightly fitting or snap-together components. The machine provides simultaneous manipulation of five objects in a 1-cm3 operating arena and can stitch together multiple millimeter-scale operating arenas over distances spanning tens of centimeters with micrometer-level accuracy. Technology developed with the machine has been migrated to other machines used to assemble fusion targets.