Masterclass 1: Principles and Challenges of Controlled Fusion
Speakers
Session Description
Session 1 introduced the fundamental principles of nuclear fusion and examined a key technological challenge that must be overcome for fusion energy to become viable. The speaker explained fusion as the process that powers the Sun, where light atomic nuclei combine to release vast amounts of energy, and described why Earth-based fusion systems primarily use deuterium and tritium.
To enable fusion, matter must be heated to extreme temperatures, forming plasma, a charged state in which fusion reactions can occur. Since such plasmas cannot be confined by ordinary materials, the session outlined magnetic confinement and inertial confinement approaches, with a focus on tokamaks as the leading magnetic confinement concept. The talk introduced ITER as the world’s largest fusion experiment and discussed one of the most critical reactor challenges: managing the intense heat and particle flux striking reactor walls. While solid materials like tungsten are currently favored, the session highlighted liquid metal plasma-facing components as a promising, though still developing, alternative.
- Participants attending the series of Masterclasses will receive a Certificate of Participation
- More sessions are planned with experts from leading global institutes in plasma and fusion research
Learning Outcomes
- Understand what nuclear fusion is and why deuterium–tritium reactions are used in reactors
- Learn why plasma formation and confinement are central challenges in fusion energy
- Gain a basic understanding of tokamaks and the role of ITER
- Appreciate why heat exhaust and materials limit fusion reactor performance
Who Should Attend
This Masterclass will benefit students, researchers, and faculty from diverse fields including physics, materials science, electrical and mechanical engineering, and energy systems. It will also interest professionals from renewable energy, advanced materials, and technology sectors who wish to understand how fusion research could shape future energy solutions. Policymakers, R&D leaders, and industry stakeholders engaged in science and technology strategy will find valuable insights on aligning academic innovation, industrial development, and policy direction toward India’s and the world’s fusion mission.