Hybrid-drive implosion system for ICF targets

Patent · Wed Oct 14 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6853079

Mark, J W.K.

Hybrid-drive implosion systems for ICF targets are described which permit a significant increase in target gain at fixed total driver energy. The ICF target is compressed in two phases, an initial compression phase and a final peak power phase, with each phase driven by a separate, optimized driver. The targets comprise a hollow spherical ablator surroundingly disposed around fusion fuel. The ablator is first compressed to higher density by a laser system, or by an ion beam system, that in each case is optimized for this initial phase of compression of the target. Then, following compression of the ablator, energy is directly delivered into the compressed ablator by an ion beam driver system that is optimized for this second phase of operation of the target. The fusion fuel is driven, at high gain, to conditions wherein fusion reactions occur. This phase separation allows hydrodynamic efficiency and energy deposition uniformity to be individually optimized, thereby securing significant advantages in energy gain. In additional embodiments, the same or separate drivers supply energy for ICF target implosion. 3 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: LLNL; EDB-88-182053
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A6108183
• OSTI ID: 6853079
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
CHARGED PARTICLES
DESIGN
ICF DEVICES
IMPACT FUSION DRIVERS
IMPLOSIONS
INVENTIONS
IONS
LASER IMPLOSIONS
LASER TARGETS
TARGETS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES