The scientists hope to refine the process over the next year until they trigger a nuclear reaction capable of producing large amounts of energy. "We hope the ignition experiments will show that we can generate more power than we put in and that fusion can be the source of a supply of carbon-free energy," said Ed Moses, director of the NIF.

"I think the old joke about fusion being just 50 years away, no matter when you ask, is about to become defunct. If we succeed, public perception of fusion will change because it is the ultimate energy source - no carbon, limitless, safe and secure."