Dielectric wall accelerator and applications and methods of use
OwnerMartin A. Stuartinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are a plurality of embodiments, including, but not limited to, a device for generating efficient low and high average power output Gamma Rays via relativistic particle bombardment of element targets using an efficient particle injector and accelerator at low and high average power levels suitable for element transmutation and power generation with an option for efficient remediation of radioisotope release into any environment. The devices utilize diamond or diamond-like carbon materials and active cooling for improved performance. Also provided are a nuclear reactor and a decontamination device using such a device.
Claims35
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a radioactive fuel source comprising at least one portion;
- an emitter device configured to generate gamma rays directed at the radioactive fuel source portion in the reactor to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source portion and to generate neutrons to support a neutron driven fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source portion;
- a containment system for containing the radioactive fuel source and the emitter device;
- and
- a heat extraction system configured to extract heat from the fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source for transmission outside of the reactor.
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a radioactive fuel source comprising at least one portion;
- an emitter device configured to generate an energy beam directed at the radioactive fuel source portion in the reactor to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source portion and to generate neutrons to support a neutron driven fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source portion, said emitter device comprising:
- a source of charged particles,
- a plurality of capacitor elements for accelerating the charged particles, each capacitor element including a pair of electrodes, and
- a conduit formed through the capacitor element for transmitting the charged particles, wherein
- at least one of the capacitor electrodes is at least partially coated with diamond or diamond-like carbon;
- a containment system for containing the radioactive fuel source and the emitter device;
- a cooling system for cooling said emitter device;
- a radioactive fuel source;
- and
- a heat extraction system configured to extract heat from the fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source for transmission outside of the reactor.
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a radioactive fuel source comprising at least one portion;
- an emitter device configured to generate an energy beam substantially comprised of gamma rays directed at the radioactive fuel source portion to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source portion and to generate neutrons to support a neutron driven fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source portion, said emitter device comprising:
- a source of charged particles,
- a plurality of capacitor elements for accelerating the charged particles, each capacitor element including a pair of electrodes with each electrode being coated with diamond or diamond-like carbon,
- a plurality of photo switches arranged around the capacitor element for providing a uniform current flow during a discharge, and
- a conduit formed through the capacitor element for transmitting the charged particles;
- a containment system for containing the radioactive fuel source and the emitter device;
- a cooling system for cooling said emitter device;
- a radioactive fuel source;
- and
- a heat extraction system configured to extract heat from the fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source for transmission outside of the reactor.
A method of generating heat in a nuclear reactor comprising a radioactive fuel source comprising at least one portion, a containment system, and a cooling system, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing an emitter device comprising:
- a source of charged particles,
- a plurality of capacitor elements for accelerating the charged particles, each capacitor element including a pair of electrodes, and
- a conduit formed through the capacitor element for transmitting the charged particles, wherein
- each one of the capacitor electrodes is at least partially coated with diamond or diamond-like carbon;
- the emitter device generating an energy beam substantially comprised of gamma rays directed at the radioactive fuel source portion in the reactor to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source portion and to generate neutrons to support a neutron driven fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source portion;
- the containment system containing the radioactive fuel source and the emitter device;
- the cooling system cooling said emitter device;
- and
- the heat extraction system extracting heat from the fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source for transmission outside of the reactor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.