The need for R and D focused on magnetized HED fusion

The first demonstration of thermonuclear (TN) energy release in 1951 represented a record achievement for high energy density. The work toward that end took place over a very short span of Nme and the first experiment was a convincing success on the first try. This pursuit of TN energy was in response to the extreme fears of mankind, but also represented a beginning of the great hope that it would soon usher in an era of boundless cheap energy. The quest for fusion energy for power generation has had a much longer history. While fusion still promises to be an enabling technology that can be compared to the prehistoric utilization of fire, the quest has taken so long, and been so short in fulfillment, that many question the fruitfulness of the endeavor. This paper briefly reviews just a few popular approaches to fusion energy, then points out some pitfalls and suggests new directions.