Study of x-ray emissions from cold deuterium--tritium fuel inside glass targets for inertial confinement fusion

Journal Article · Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, A (Vacuum, Surfaces and Films); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.576842· OSTI ID:6860577

Mruzek, M T; Felmlee, W J ^[1]

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1. KMS Fusion Inc., P. O. Box 1567, Ann Arbor, MI (USA)

We have remotely monitored the thermodynamic phase of deuterium--tritium (DT) fuel inside glass shells used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research by observing the x-ray emissions from the shell. These studies are an adjunct to our beta heating experimental program. (M. T. Mruzek, D. L. Musinski, and J. S. Ankey, J. Appl. Phys. {bold 63}, 2217 (1988)). By monitoring the production of low-energy x rays ({lt} 18.6 keV) from the interaction of the beta decay with the shell walls, we are able to track phase changes between gas and solid. We incorporated the mature x-ray detection technology of scintillators and photomultiplier tubes onto the experimental apparatus we use to study the beta heating effect. (M. T. Mruzek, J. S. Ankey, and D. N. Decker, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A {bold 6}, 1889 (1988)). Restrictive space limitations were a major hardware consideration in the retrofit. We review the scientific basis for the technique, the proof of principle experiment that encouraged us to pursue it, and the final experimental configuration the x-ray probe has assumed. We suggest that a refinement of the measurement technique may provide information about the rate of DT fuel redistribution in beta heating targets.

• OSTI ID: 6860577
• Journal Information: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, A (Vacuum, Surfaces and Films); (USA), Vol. 8:3; ISSN 0734-2101
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
DEUTERIUM TRITIDE
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
ICF DEVICES
FUEL CELLS
BETA DECAY
HEATING
THERMONUCLEAR FUELS
X RADIATION
DECAY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
NUCLEAR DECAY
RADIATIONS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TRITIDES
TRITIUM COMPOUNDS
700205* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Fuel
Heating
& Injection Systems
700208 - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Inertial Confinement Technology