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Heavy ion inertial fusion: an overview

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5296184
Energetic heavy ions represent an alternative to laser light and light ions as 'drivers' for supplying energy for inertial confinement fusion. To induce ignition of targets containing thermonuclear fuel, an energy of several megajoules has to be focused on to a target with radium a few millimetres in a time of some tens of nanoseconds. Serious study of the use of heavy ions drivers for producing useful power in this way has been underway for seven years, though funding has been at a low level. In this paper the requirements for targets, accelerator, and reactor vessel for containing the thermonuclear explosion are surveyed, and some of the problems to be solved before the construction of a power station can realistically be contemplated are discussed. (Copyright (c) Science and Engineering Research Council 1983.)
Research Organization:
Rutherford Appleton Lab., Chilton (UK)
OSTI ID:
5296184
Report Number(s):
PB-84-139955; RL-83-083
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English