For scientists the lure of thermonuclear fusion has been incredibly attractive. Thermonuclear fusion held the promise of cheap, clean and unlimited energy. Research in the field has split into many disciplines, one of these is the experiments in the hot fusion field called "acoustic inertial confinement fusion."

The idea of acoustic fusion is derived from the phenomenon called cavitation. Cavitation occurs when a liquid is exposed to rapid changes in pressure which causes the formation of gas or vapor bubbles. An acoustic field sends pressure waves through the fluid causing the bubbles to grow and collapse and produces visible flashes of light. The researchers studying the light emitting bubbles speculate that the temperature and pressure of the gas inside bubbles could trigger a fusion reaction. The tiny bubbles could produce the same effect as that found on the surface of the Sun and could one day be a new energy source.

While the concept has been proven in desktop experiments it's in real life applications that researchers of acoustic fusion run into problems. Building a fusion reactor that generates more energy that it consumes is particularly challenging and many skeptics question whether desktop experiments could work in the real world.

Compared to other forms of fusion power being researched today like magnetic and laser inertial confinement fusion, acoustic fusion requires inexpensive equipment, facilities and materials. Acoustic fusion is relatively simple and its commercial success could be achieved in the next few years. One company, Impulse Devices has been exploring acoustic fusion and has pioneered the use of Extreme Acoustic Cavitation. According to Dr. Wylene Dunbar, CEO of Impulse Devices Inc., the company's unique technology generates strong acoustic cavitation but still requires only a few hundred watts of electric power. Impulse's technology has achieved "proof of concept" in several areas and the company is working with several industrial partners to integrate its technology into their processes.

If acoustic fusion works it could provide clean energy for generations to come.