"Revolutionary Shortcut Unveiled for Twisty Fusion Facility Design"
Scientists have discovered a mathematical shortcut that could aid in the design of twisty fusion facilities called stellarators. By measuring how well a stellarator's magnetic field can retain the fastest-moving atomic nuclei in the plasma, researchers can predict its ability to hold heat crucial for fusion reactions. This shortcut allows for the identification of the best magnetic field shape for confining heat, leading to more efficient stellarators. Fusion energy, which combines light elements in plasma to generate clean electricity, has the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change.