Here's a video lecture from the MIT Professor (Dennis Whyte) who was leading the research group that provided some of the key designs for the SPARC reactor. As the NYT article explains, that research has been spun out into a startup that raised $200M.
The key breakthrough is the advancement of REBCO tape superconductors which allow you to (1) generate record breaking magnetic field strengths (2) easily disassemble the super conducting loop for fast repairs / refuels / more modular design.
It's a long talk, but it's extremely fascinating. Basically everything becomes much easier once you can increase the magnetic field strength. This talk is fairly accessible to even relative laypeople who have a vague understanding of E&M physics.
Here's a video lecture from the MIT Professor (Dennis Whyte) who was leading the research group that provided some of the key designs for the SPARC reactor. As the NYT article explains, that research has been spun out into a startup that raised $200M.
The key breakthrough is the advancement of REBCO tape superconductors which allow you to (1) generate record breaking magnetic field strengths (2) easily disassemble the super conducting loop for fast repairs / refuels / more modular design.
It's a long talk, but it's extremely fascinating. Basically everything becomes much easier once you can increase the magnetic field strength. This talk is fairly accessible to even relative laypeople who have a vague understanding of E&M physics.