Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy with Particle Beams

Abstract

This paper introduces the concepts associated with inertial confinement fusion (ICF) energy production, and outlines particle beam technologies of interest for ICF applications with emphasis on ion beams. Progress in obtaining larger thermonuclear neutron yields from laser fusion pellets and the constantly improved understanding of these experiments, makes the application of particle beam techniques to this area look increasingly promising. The reason for this is that lasers suitable for demonstrating the feasibility of igniting fusion pellets are becoming available, but lasers offering the requisite properties for fusion power plant application have apparently not been identified. Accelerator designers can suggest several promising avenues to produce a driver for a power plant. To place some perspective on the issues, a brief review will be given of ICF target requirements. This will be followed by a brief historical view of heavy ion fusion, a synopsis of the various accelerator approaches and associated problems that have been recognized, and a summary of power plant considerations.