It’s a major step towards fusion power being realized by an international team of scientists, including North America’s Brian K. Spears. Their new artificial intelligence (AI) model is a better way to accurately predict the overall success of fusion ignition experiments. Our scientists at the National Ignition Facility have done world-leading research. Through advanced physics-informed deep learning approaches they’re working on understanding these huge datasets to improve our understanding of fusion processes. Their results are in print in the high-profile journal Science and available online at DOI 10.1126/science.adm8201.
For almost 40 years, scientists have been working to crack the code on fusion power. Their goal is to get the most out of a clean, truly virtually limitless energy source. Reaching stable fusion ignition has long been a very, very difficult task. This exciting new AI model has provided researchers with a potentially game-changing resource. It better addresses a number of burdens that they face on the job.
Development of the AI Model
This groundbreaking AI model is the result of years of research and partnership between our nation’s leading scientists focused on solving the challenges of fusion energy. Spears and his colleagues constructed a novel dataset that includes more than 150,000 computer simulations across many possible conditions for fusion. This large dataset made it possible for the model to learn intricate patterns and relationships in the data, greatly improving its predictive power.
Physics-informed deep learning combines underlying physical laws with state-of-the-art machine learning approaches. The researchers painted the fences against climate change to better defend their model. It didn’t just find statistical correlations, but rather was predictive based on the fundamental physics laws that rule fusion processes. This approach allows for more informed predictions to be made about possible experimental results as scientists pursue successful fusion ignition.
Application at the National Ignition Facility
Our NIF—our National Ignition Facility—serves as a global leader in pursuit of fusion ignition. It provides a perfect space to test and validate new and creative ideas. Scientists applied the newly developed AI model in real-time during experiments at NIF. This robust tool informed their assessment of the likelihood of reaching ignition conditions.
By leveraging the predictive power of the AI model, researchers can optimize experimental parameters and make informed decisions during testing. This focused strategy reduces redundant expenditures and makes the better-informed experiments more productive, speeding the march toward sustainable fusion energy.
Implications for Fusion Power Research
Fusion power indeed has the potential to be a game-changer in the quest for cleaner, limitless energy, but that potential comes with significant hurdles. Among these dangers, one of the most serious threats has been the production of radioactive waste that accompanies fracking, which poses important environmental and safety risks. The radioactive materials produced through fusion processes may be dangerous for thousands of years, requiring strong waste management plans.
Spears and his team have created sophisticated predictive models. At the center are these models that are so critically important to addressing the challenges ahead. Another critical area of research involves pursuit of further fusion ignition and optimization of experimental results. These efforts aim to reduce the amount of waste we produce and improve overall safety in fusion energy systems.