Integrated simulation of an ion-driven warm dense matter experiment

Abstract

Longitudinal compression factors in excess of 50 of a 300-keV, 20-mA K + ion beam have been demonstrated in the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment (NDCX) in agreement with LSP particle-in-cell simulations using the experimental tilt voltage waveform. Here, pre-formed plasma provides beam neutralization for a 1–2-m drift length. To achieve simultaneous transverse and longitudinal compression, we must understand and account for the impact of the applied velocity tilt on the transverse phase space of the beam. Of equal importance to achieving warm dense matter and heavy ion fusion conditions, is quantifying the effect of beam plasma interactions, including stability and neutralization, on the beam transport throughout the drift section up to the target. Critical new issues relate to transverse focusing of the axially compressing ion beam in a high-field (3–15 T) solenoid that is filled with plasma. Integrated LSP simulations that include modeling of the diode, magnetic transport, induction bunching module, plasma neutralized transport, solenoidal focusing and beam target interaction, are assisting in the design of a near-term warm dense matter experiment. We discuss the simulation algorithms and present calculations of designs for such an experiment that will heat an aluminum target up to roughly 1-eV temperature.