FIVE APPROACHES · COMPARE

Compare five fusion approaches

These categories overlap: FRC names a magnetic configuration, while MTF describes compression of magnetized fuel. They are different classification axes, so a compression experiment can also use an FRC.

Compare five fusion approaches
Approach	Confinement or compression	What to inspect in 3D	Reference experiment
Tokamak →	Toroidal confinement using external fields and plasma current	TF/PF/CS coils, first wall and divertor	ITER
Helical / stellarator →	Confinement fields shaped by 3D external coils	Non-planar/planar coils, shaped vessel and support ring	Wendelstein 7-X
Laser fusion →	Brief fuel implosion driven by laser light or X rays	Chamber, beam paths, hohlraum and capsule	NIF
Field-reversed configuration (FRC) →	A field-reversed configuration formed by plasma current and external fields	Formation coils, central compression and injection interfaces	Helion Trenta
Magnetized target fusion (MTF) →	Compression of magnetized plasma by a liner or other driver	Magnetized plasma, solid liner and compression coils	General Fusion LM26

These independently authored educational reconstructions use public references. Static plasma and beam shapes explain positions; they are not field or particle simulations. Devices are not shown at a common scale, and their appearance does not establish power performance.

FUSION INDUSTRY · 3D

Five fusion approaches in 3D

Understand fusion through the positions of magnets, vessels and fuel. Explore all five models, then follow the connections to technology, experiments and industry.