p–¹¹B Fusion Experiments in the Large Helical Device

This presentation is based on a collaborative research effort between TAE Technologies and Japan’s National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS).

TAE Technologies is conducting research and development aimed at realizing fusion power generation based on the proton–boron (p–11B) fusion reaction on two parallel tracks.

On our current experimental device, C-2W (also known as “Norman”), in California, we have developed a steady state field-reversed configuration through neutral beam injection, edge biasing, and a robust real-time plasma control system to confine the plasma [1-3].

In parallel, in the Large Helical Device (LHD) in Japan, we are conducting experiments on the p-¹¹B fusion reaction supported by intense hydrogen beams and impurity powder dropper [4,5].

During the 25th experimental campaign in FY2024 of the LHD, successful injection of boron pellets and Tracer-Encapsulated Solid PELlets (TESPELs) into the plasma led to an increase in boron density at the plasma core relative to the boron density achieved with the powder dropper, which enhanced the alpha particle emission rate.

Additionally, an experiment to investigate the acceleration of fast ions by superimposed Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies (ICRF) wave in conjunction with Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) heating was conducted. We will present results from these interesting experiments and their analyses.



[1] H. Gota et al., Nucl. Fusion 61, 106039 (2021).

[2] H. Gota et al., Nucl. Fusion 64, 112014 (2024).

[3] T. Roche et al., Nat. Commun. 16, 3487 (2025).

[4] R. M. Magee et al., Nat. Comm. 14, 955 (2023).

[5] K. Ogawa et al., Nucl. Fusion 64 096028 (2024).