Nuclear fusion research. Levitated dipole experiment (LDX) device (cryostat) being constructed at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Columbia University, USA. LDX is run by Dr Darren Garnier and will use a levitated magnet to confine a hydrogen plasma in its magnetic field. Experiments hope to show that under the correct conditions the plasma can undergo fusion. Nuclear fusion is the joining (fusing) of light elements to form heavier elements, which releases large amounts of energy. It is hoped that fusion will be a clean, renewable energy source for the future.