This panel was formed by FESAC to answer a charge from Undersecretary of Energy Orbach (Charge Letter).  The charge asks the panel to identify critical paths, gaps and opportunities for the magnetic fusion program which would prepare the US for a possible decision to build DEMO in the 2035-2040 time frame, following a successful completion of the ITER mission.   Specifically it has three parts.
  1. Identify and prioritize the broad scientific and technical questions to be answered prior to a DEMO.
  2. Assess available means, including all exsisting and planned facilities around the world, including theory and modeling, to address these questions.
  3. Identify research gaps and how they may be addressed through new facility concepts, theory and modeling.
We are required to report back to DOE by Oct. 1 2007

Charge Letter (Word Doc)
Discussion of Charge by Ray Fonck (PDF)

The panel roster is:

Martin Greenwald (MIT, chair)
Richard Callis (GA)
Bill Dorland (U.Md.)
David Gates (PPPL)
Jeff Harris (ORNL)
Rulon Linford (LLNL)
Kathryn McCarthy (INL)
Mike Mauel (Columbia)
Dale Meade (PPPL retired)
Farrokh Najmabadi  (UCSD)
Bill Nevins  (LLNL)
John Sarff   (UW)
Mike Ulrickson  (SNL)
Mike Zarnstorff (PPPL)
Steve Zinkle (ORNL)



Community Input

We have set up an online forum for comments and white papers from interested community members.  Instructions on how to access and use the forum can be found at this link.

A compilation of white papers can be found here.
 White papers should be brief - no more than 4-5 pages, with references and/or links to prior work or supporting material.  They should concisely state your views on:
  • What is the issue?
  • Why is it important?
    • especially - relevance to the charge
  • How should it be resolved?
    • i.e. generic types of facilities or intiatives, we will not be reviewing specific designs
There will be opportunities to discuss these white papers and answer questions from the panel at upcoming meetings:
"Presenters" should only prepare 1 or 2 vugraphs which concisely summarize the points they wish to make.  They should assume that panel has read their white papers.  Our intention is that the time should primarily be spent in discussion.
 Participation may be in person or via video-conference.  In either case, you must tell us of your intentions in advance by email to: Martin Greenwald.  (You will also have to make arrangements for your visit to the labs or remote participation with the local contact shown on the left.)