Laser fusion neutron source employing compression with short pulse lasers
AssigneeLawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
InventorsJoseph A. Sefcik, Scott C. Wilks
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Abstract
A method and system for achieving fusion is provided. The method includes providing laser source that generates a laser beam and a target that includes a capsule embedded in the target and filled with DT gas. The laser beam is directed at the target. The laser beam helps create an electron beam within the target. The electron beam heats the capsule, the DT gas, and the area surrounding the capsule. At a certain point equilibrium is reached. At the equilibrium point, the capsule implodes and generates enough pressure on the DT gas to ignite the DT gas and fuse the DT gas nuclei.
Claims20
A system comprising:
- a laser source adapted to provide a laser beam directed along an optical path, wherein the laser beam is characterized by an output power in the range of 1 petawatt or higher;
- and
- a target positioned along the optical path and including:
- a laser incidence area for receiving the laser beam;
- an electron generation region adapted to absorb a portion of the laser energy associated with the laser beam and generate a plurality of electrons along an electron path;
- a compression region disposed along the electron path;
- and
- a capsule embedded within the compression region and including deuterium tritium (DT) gas.
A target comprising:
- a laser incidence area for receiving a laser beam;
- an electron generation region adapted to absorb a portion of laser energy associated with the laser beam and generate a plurality of electrons along an electron path;
- a compression region disposed along the electron path, the compression region configured to interact with the plurality of electrons and heat up to a first temperature of between 100 electron volts and 1000 electron volts;
- and
- a capsule embedded within the compression region and including deuterium tritium (DT) gas, wherein the capsule is configured to absorb radiated heat from the compression region and heat up to the first temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.