Researchers in Korea have discovered a new physical principle that can accelerate the realization of nuclear fusion energy.
The National Research Foundation of Korea announced on the 5th that researchers, including Professors Na Yong-soo and Ham Taek-soo from Seoul National University, have clarified that high-energy particles present inside the fusion reactor do not hinder performance as previously thought, but rather can enhance fusion performance.
Nuclear fusion is the principle through which the sun and stars generate energy, a phenomenon in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form heavier atomic nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy. It is noted as a next-generation eco-friendly energy source because it produces no carbon emissions and has an infinite fuel supply.
However, to commercialize nuclear fusion energy, technology that can maintain hydrogen ions at extremely high temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius for a long time in a stable manner is essential. Until now, turbulent flow within the plasma has been known to hinder fusion reactions, making the development of technology to control this an important task.
The researchers classified the interactions between high-energy particles and plasma turbulence into four physical phenomena based on experiments and simulation results conducted in a 'tokamak device' that confines plasma: changes in magnetic field structure, inhibition due to ion density dilution, interactions with turbulence, and instabilities induced by interactions.
They have identified the specific mechanisms by which these particles suppress turbulence. Through the aforementioned interactions, high-energy particles enhance the 'shear flow' formed like a band, suppressing turbulence, and it has been confirmed that this can increase fusion performance.
Based on the mechanism clarified through this research, it is expected that research optimizing high-energy particles in devices, including the Korean-style fusion reactor 'KSTAR', will actively progress to remove plasma turbulence and form and maintain high-temperature plasma for extended periods.
Professor Na Yong-soo said, 'This research has opened new possibilities for increasing output by utilizing high-energy particles in fusion reactors,' adding, 'This achievement is expected to significantly contribute to the commercialization of fusion by being applied to the design of future small fusion reactors or demonstration reactors.'
This research was published in the international journal 'Nature Reviews Physics' in March.
References
Nature Reviews Physics (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-025-00814-8