Theoretical conversion efficiency of relativistic electron beams into ion beams in the vicinity of a target

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.328353· OSTI ID:5031222

Young, T S.T.; Genuario, R D

In order to reach the power density and total energy required for inertial confinement fusion targets using electron beams, a modular approach employing multiple diodes, plasma channel transport, and relativistic electron beam (REB) overlap is being pursued. This paper reports on an analytic study of the conversion efficiency of REB's to ions by a combination of magnetic reflection and electrostatic reflexing of the electrons in the overlap region. The initial power density (but not total power) of the incident electron beam in this scheme is reduced by the ratio of electron beam overlap radius to final pellet radius squared, and the required power density gain in the overlap region is relaxed to unity. We find for a uniform REB energy distribution (the most probable distribution function at the overlap radius): (1) the ions cannot reach the full potential of the generator; (2) ion beam conversion efficiency remains low (approx.5% in energy) and increases slowly with outer shell thickness; and (3) ion voltage remains almost constant for a wide range of generator voltages.

• Research Organization: Physics International Company, 2700 Merced St., San Leandro, California 94577
• OSTI ID: 5031222
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 51:9; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360605* -- Materials-- Radiation Effects
BEAMS
CONFINEMENT
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRON BEAM TARGETS
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTROSTATICS
ENERGY RANGE
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
ION BEAMS
LEPTON BEAMS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
POWER DENSITY
REFLECTION
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
TARGETS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS