Culham Laboratory

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) Culham Laboratory has been the main centre for research in plasma physics for 25 years. Its research also concerns the possibility of generating electrical power from nuclear fusion, now concentrated in the tokamak concept. Culham has also developed technical support in areas such as ion beam technology and lasers. The research work falls therefore into two parts, the feasibility of nuclear fusion and commercial research and development aimed at technology transfer to industrial and other areas. The report is in sections: nuclear fusion research including tokamak experiments, work with and for JET, reversed-field pinches, plasma heating, theoretical and computational physics, fusion reactor technology, and commercial aspects including laser technology, advanced control and power, particle beams, radio frequency effects, space applications, software applications and special fabrication techniques. Underlying research and fission reactor safety is also reported. (UK)