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.
Claims41
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a radioactive fuel source;
- an emitter device configured to generate gamma rays directed at the radioactive fuel source to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source and generating neutrons to support a neutron driven fission reaction in the radioactive fuel source;
- a containment system for containing the radioactive fuel source and the emitter device;
- and
- a heat extraction system configured to extract heat from the reactor for transmission outside of the reactor.
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a radioactive fuel source;
- an emitter device configured to generate an energy beam directed at the radioactive fuel source to induce a nuclear reaction in the fuel source, 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 cooling system for cooling said emitter device;
- a radioactive fuel source;
- and
- a heat extraction system configured to extract heat from the reactor for transmission outside of the reactor.
A method of controlling a nuclear reaction in a nuclear reactor including a nuclear fuel, comprising the steps of:
- generating a controlled beam of gamma rays;
- and
- directing the beam of gamma rays into the nuclear fuel to control the rate of radioactive decomposition of the nuclear fuel and to generate neutrons for supporting a fission reaction in the nuclear fuel.
A method of decontaminating a radioactive target, comprising the steps of:
- providing an emitter device configured to generate gamma rays;
- providing a gamma ray focusing and directing apparatus configured to direct the gamma rays generated by the emitter device toward a contaminated target in a movable manner;
- and
- using the gamma rays emitted by the emitter device toward the radioactive target to at least partially decontaminate the contaminated target.
An energy beam device comprising:
- an emitter device configured to generate an energy beam, 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;
- an energy beam focusing and directing apparatus configured to direct the energy beam generated by the emitter device toward a target;
- a controller for controlling the emitter device and the gamma ray focusing and directing apparatus;
- and
- a mobile platform configured to transport said energy beam device.
A decontamination device comprising:
- an emitter device configured to generate an energy beam, 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,
- a conduit formed through the capacitor element for transmitting the charged particles, and
- one or more photo switches for providing a uniform current flow, wherein
- at least one of the capacitor electrodes is at least partially coated with diamond or diamond-like material;
- an energy beam focusing and directing apparatus comprising at least one mirror, said apparatus being configured to direct the energy beam generated by the emitter device toward a contaminated target;
- a controller for controlling the emitter device and the gamma ray focusing and directing apparatus;
- and
- a mobile platform configured to transport said energy beam device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.