How magnetized target fusion works: a 3D guide
Inspect the relationship between magnetized plasma, lithium liner and compression system in an LM26-inspired model.
Principle and characteristics
MTF compresses an already magnetized plasma to raise its density and temperature, combining magnetic insulation with compression heating. Compression materials and drivers vary. This model follows LM26’s solid-lithium-liner and electromagnetic-compression arrangement.
Rotate the model. Explore the structure.
Select parts to inspect their position and purpose.
Magnetized target fusion — look inside
The model loads when you choose to open it.
You can read the guide before loading 3D.
An independently authored educational model based on public references. It does not reproduce exact dimensions, private designs, or calculated fields and particle trajectories. Plasma and beams are static position guides; cutaway and exploded views are not maintenance procedures.
Follow the principle, part by part
Magnetize before compression
Inspect the plasma and formation/injection side. Preparing a magnetized target and compressing it are distinct stages.
Liner surrounding the plasma
Isolate the liner and inspect the central region. Distinguish LM26’s solid liner from liquid-metal concepts proposed for future machines.
Electromagnetic compression outside
Compare compression coils with the liner. The model retains an LM26-inspired configuration rather than substituting a spherical piston machine.
Enabling technologies
- Plasma formation, liner materials and pulsed power
- Electromagnetic compression, timing control and density/temperature diagnostics
Experiments and institutions
Public LM26 references guide this reconstruction; private designs and compression ratios are not reproduced. MTF is not one standard geometry, and FRC describes a different classification axis.
Questions for research and development
Compression symmetry, plasma lifetime, liner interaction and repeatability need evaluation. Raising experimental temperature and density is a different milestone from operating a power plant.
Primary sources and model scope
Public LM26 references guide this reconstruction; private designs and compression ratios are not reproduced. MTF is not one standard geometry, and FRC describes a different classification axis.
- General Fusion — LM26 program ↗
- General Fusion — LM26 compression preparation ↗
- General Fusion — LM26 diagnostics (PDF) ↗
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.
Compare other 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.