Status of fusion energy R D

The status of the United States program of magnetic fusion energy research and development is reviewed. The Department of Energy policy on fusion, developed in 1978, is discussed, and scientific successes in the mirror confinement program with the tandem mirror concept, in the tokamak program with the attainment of reactor level ion temperatures and near reactor level beta factor and the use of the poloidal divertor to control density and purity, in stellarator operation and in the bumpy torus confinement program are indicated. It is pointed out that the above achievements demonstrate that conditions adequate for reactor level operation can be achieved. Technical gains including the development of the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator and the high energy neutral beam plasma heating system are also indicated. The major judgements of the status of the program on which future plans are to be based are discussed, including the perceived need for further engineering development and focusing on fewer possible concepts, and future plans for pilot plant construction and operation, which are dependent on the level of funding received, are outlined