Research in the US on heavy ion drivers for inertial confinement fusion

Conference · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7066105

Celata, C; Faltens, A; Fessenden, T J; Judd, D L; Keefe, D; Kim, C H; Laslett, L J; Lee, E P; Tiefenback, M G; Smith, L

The US study of high-energy multigap accelerators to produce large currents of heavy ions for inertial fusion is centered on the single-pass induction linac method. The large technology base associated with multigap accelerators for high-energy physics gives confidence that high efficiency, high repetition rate, and good availability can be achieved, and that the path from scientific demonstration to commercial realization can be a smooth one. In an induction linac driver, multiple (parallel) ion beams are accelerated through a sequence of pulsed transformers. Crucial to the design is the manipulation of electric fields to amplify the beam current during acceleration. A proof-of-principle induction linac experiment (MBE-4) is underway and has begun the first demonstration of current amplification, control of the bunch ends, and the acceleration of multiple beams. A recently completed experiment, called the Single Beam Transport Experiment has shown that we can now count on more freedom to design an alternating-gradient quadrupole focusing channel to transport much higher ion-beam currents than formerly believed possible. A recent Heavy Ion Fusion System Assessment (HIFSA) has shown that a substantial cost saving results from use of multiply-charged ions, and that a remarkably broad range of options exist for viable power-plant designs. The driver cost at 3 to 4 MJ could be $200/joule or less, and the cost of electricity in the range of 50 to 55 mills/kWhr.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 7066105
• Report Number(s): LBL-22276; IAEA-CN-47/B-III-3; CONF-861106-17; ON: DE87004472
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
430100 -- Particle Accelerators-- Design
Development
& Operation
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
ACCELERATORS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CONFINEMENT
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FOCUSING
HEAVY ION ACCELERATORS
HEAVY IONS
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
IONS
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
MAGNET COILS
PLANNING
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
RESEARCH PROGRAMS