Novel Technologies and Discoveries for Nuclear Fusion

Dear Colleagues, 

Nuclear fusion stands at a fundamental moment in its development, with ground-breaking technological advances across multiple research domains promising to accelerate the path toward commercial fusion energy. This Special Issue presents cutting-edge research and novel discoveries that address the most pressing challenges in fusion science and engineering, spanning the entire spectrum of contemporary fusion approaches.

The collection encompasses transformative innovations in magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), where advanced Tokamak designs, Stellarator optimization, RFP concept, and novel magnetic field configurations are pushing the boundaries of plasma performance. Recent breakthroughs in superconducting magnet technology, plasma control systems, and disruption mitigation strategies represent significant strides toward sustained, high-performance fusion plasmas.

In the rapidly evolving field of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), this issue highlights revolutionary developments in laser technology, target design, and energy coupling mechanisms. The recent achievement of fusion ignition has opened new research frontiers, driving innovations in driver technologies, target fabrication, and energy extraction methodologies that could reshape our approach to inertial fusion energy.

Fusion-fission hybrid systems emerge as a particularly promising application, offering unique advantages for nuclear waste transmutation, energy production, and especially for tritium breeding. This issue explores novel reactor concepts that leverage fusion neutrons to drive subcritical fission assemblies, presenting innovative designs for enhanced safety, fuel utilization, and waste management.

Critical to all fusion approaches are the challenges of tritium breeding and extraction technologies. The articles in this collection address fundamental advances in tritium-producing blanket materials, innovative breeding concepts, and sophisticated extraction and purification systems essential for fuel self-sufficiency in future fusion reactors.

The research presented spans theoretical breakthroughs, experimental validations, and engineering solutions that collectively advance our understanding of fusion science while addressing practical challenges for commercial deployment. From plasma physics fundamentals to materials science innovations, from computational modelling advances to prototype testing results, this Special Issue captures the interdisciplinary nature of modern fusion research.

As the global fusion community moves closer to demonstrating net energy gain and commercial viability, these novel technologies and discoveries represent crucial stepping stones toward a fusion-powered future. The work presented here not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions that will inform the design and operation of next-generation fusion facilities worldwide.

This Special Issue serves as a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of fusion innovation, highlighting the remarkable progress achieved through international collaboration and sustained scientific inquiry while pointing toward the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in nuclear fusion development.

Dr. Fabio Panza
Dr. Francesco Orsitto
Guest Editors

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• nuclear fusion
• magnetic confinement fusion—MCF
• inertial confinement fusion—ICF
• Tokamaks
• fusion-fission hybrid systems
• tritium breeding
• plasma