Speaker: Dr. Michel Laberge [General Fusion (https://generalfusion.com/)], Founder and Chief Scientist 

Title:  Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) at General Fusion

Abstract: Most work on fusion has concentrated on Magnetic Fusion (MF), where a low-density plasma (~1e14 ion/cm3) is held continuously in powerful magnetic fields, and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) where a very dense plasma (~1e25 ion/cm3) with no magnetic field is compressed in ns by laser or particle beams. A vast realm of plasma density between these two extremes exist that could lead to different, perhaps easier, fusion systems. A pulsed system where a magnetized plasma is compressed at a lower speed than ICF due to the heat insulation provided by the magnetic field is called MTF. Various compression speed, magnetized target, and compression methods have been proposed and some work is being done by various institutions and companies. General Fusion is working on a MTF system where a spherical tokamak is form in a rotating tank of liquid metal. Many cylinders full of liquid metal surround the tank. Pistons driven by compressed gas inject this fluid in the tank and compress the plasma to fusion conditions (1e19 ion/cm3, 10 KeV). The fast pulse of neutrons at peak compression is absorbed by the fluid which is pumped to a steam generator to produce power. Results so far and future plans will be discussed.

Short Bio: Dr. Michel Laberge is a physicist with widespread practical experience in plasma physics and modern plasma diagnostic techniques. He has extensive knowledge of the latest technologies related to electronics, computers, materials, lithography, optics and fabrication, and is experienced at designing and constructing test apparatuses to evaluate technical concepts.
 
Prior to establishing General Fusion, Michel spent nine years at Creo Products in Vancouver as a senior physicist and principal engineer. His roles included inventor, designer, and scientific project leader on projects that resulted in more than $1 billion worth of product sales.
Michel holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in physics from Laval University. In 1990, he earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of British Columbia, and in 1991 completed a post doc at L’ecole Polytechnique in Paris. In 1992, he completed another post doc at the National Research Council in Ottawa. He has published numerous scientific papers.