Presented by: Dr. Oak Nelson, Columbia University

Abstract: The pursuit of commercial fusion energy, which could provide a clean and effectively limitless power source for humanity, is often heralded as one of the most important and difficult scientific endeavors of our time. One of the leading approaches for fusion, the tokamak, uses magnetic fields to confine a hot and dense plasma inside a vacuum vessel, akin to holding a star in a magnetic bottle. Just like you might imagine, however, it is difficult to hold a star in place without creating tremendous heat fluxes that would melt the machine walls. Fortunately, fusion scientists have discovered a new way to control the shape of the plasma that may provide a robust solution to the power-handling problem in tokamaks. This special regime, called "negative triangularity," establishes a rapid path forward towards a commercial fusion energy system.

The Department of Physics proudly presents the Saturday Physics Series, lectures geared toward high school students and adults to highlight the exciting research and practical potential of physics. 

All lectures are free and open to the public.