Progress and plans for magnetic fusion

The status of US-based magnetic fusion R&D is surveyed. The primary technological need for advancing field reversed configuration research goals is a means of producing plasmas with greater flux. Progress has recently been made in developing this technology at a small research facility operated by Spectra Technology, Bellevue, WA. Reversed field pinch and field reversed configurations are also being investigated at LANL's Tritium Systems Test Assembly in New Mexico. Tokamak confinement processes and advanced materials form the focus of research under way at General Atomics, San Diego, CA. Domestic programs initiated in suport of the Compact Ignition Tokamak and the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor are also summarized.