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Fusion nuclear technology (FNT) research in the United States encompasses many activities and requires experlise and capabilities in many different disciplines. The US Enahling Technology program is divided into several task areas, with aspects of magnet fusion energy ( M E) fusion nuclear technology being addressed mainly in the Plasma Chamber. Neutronics, Safety, Materials, Tritium and Plasma Facing Component Programs. These various programs work together to address key FNT topics. including support for the ITER hasic machine and the lTER Test Blanket Module, supporl for domestic plasma experiments, and devciopment of DEMO relevant material and technological systems for blankets, shields, and plasma facing components. In addition, two inertial fusion energy (IFE) research programs conducting FNT-related research for IFE are also described. While i t is difficult to describe all these activities in adequate detail, this paper gives an overview of critical FNT activities. 0 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights resewed. Kqwords: Blanket; Fint wall; Tritium; Plasma facing components; Safety; ITER 1. Introduct ion ponents, systems and technologies of the plasma chamber that are required to contain, shield, extract Fusion nuclear technology (FNT) as considercd in energy from, and breed tritium fuel for the ther-this paper is comprised of all the materials, com- monuclear fusion plasma. F N T advances will b