Light ion and electron beams for inertial fusion
Abstract
Means for generating and transporting particle beams to targets at levels that are calculated to give fusion gains greater than unity are discussed, and the status of related experiments is reviewed. Light-ion beams which have attained power fluences of 2 x 10 to the 11th W/sq cm, can be focused ballistically onto a target or transported by means of current-carrying plasma channels similar to those used for electrons. Both bunching in time and overlap of many ion beams can be used to increase power fluence on targets. Reference systems for ignition experiments and for reactors driven by ions are defined and present capabilities are compared with ultimate requirements.
- Publication:
-
Comments on Modern Physics
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980ComPP...5...95M
- Keywords:
-
- Beam Injection;
- Electron Beams;
- Inertial Confinement Fusion;
- Ion Beams;
- Light Ions;
- Channel Flow;
- Plasma Jets;
- Pulse Heating;
- Zeta Pinch;
- Plasma Physics