High-power modulated intense relativistic electron sources with applications to RF generation and controlled thermonuclear fusion

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.1986.4316530· OSTI ID:5521816

Friedman, M; Serlin, V; Drobot, A; Mondelli, A

Recent advances in the physics and technology of the modulated intense relativistic electron beams (IREB's) are reviewed in this paper. Bunched dense electron beams can be used to construct high-power RF sources, which may critically affect future progress in fusion technology. In this paper a system is described in which electrical energy can be converted from a single pulse of relatively long duration into a series of subpulses of short duration (nanosecond and subnanosecond) and of high power (approx. =10/sup 10/ W). This electrical system consists of an IREB propagating through passive structures. The mutual interaction between the electron beam and one passive structure modifies the IREB so that power compression and beam modulation occur. When the modified IREB interacts with the next passive structure, the kinetic energy of the electrons is converted into electrical energy or RF energy. The beam current modulation depends on the injected IREB and the structure parameters. A 100-percent modulation of the current has been achieved. A single-beam source may be used for exciting radiation in a frequency range of 60 MHz to 10 GHz. In the frequency range of 60-750 MHz a modulated beam with power approx. =10/sup 10/ W has already been achieved. IREB modulation at a frequency of approx. =3 GHz was performed and RF energy was extracted from the bunched beam with power output of 5 X 10/sup 8/ W. In addition to this review, it is suggested in this paper that the direct interaction of the modulated IREB with plasmas can provide supplementary heating for fusion devices in order to reach thermonuclear ignition.

• Research Organization: Plasma Physics Div., Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC 20375
• OSTI ID: 5521816
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Vol. PS-14:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRON BEAMS
PLASMA HEATING
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BEAM BUNCHING
BEAM CURRENTS
ELECTRON BEAM INJECTION
ELECTRONS
GHZ RANGE 01-100
KINETIC ENERGY
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MODULATION
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THERMONUCLEAR IGNITION
BEAM DYNAMICS
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BEAMS
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ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
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700101* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Confinement
Heating
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