Laser-fusion reactor materials problems resulting from fusion microexplosion emissions

Abstract

Many materials problems that have been identified in laser-fusion reactor (LFR) concepts are similar to those anticipated for magnetically confined thermonuclear reactor designs, although LFR engineering and design options are different. The characteristics of a typical fusion-pellet microexplosion are discussed, and conceptual alternatives for containing pellet microexplosions are reviewed. Fusion pellet microexplosions occur within a few picoseconds, and energy is deposited in structural and blanket regions in about 1 μs. Thus, the effects of cyclical strain and shock phenomena pose unique materials problems for LFRs. In addition, optical elements (i.e., mirrors) are exposed to the products of fusion pellet microexplosions and possibly to other cavity materials. The most critical requirements for experimental data are investigations of the effects of pulsed, high-intensity neutron irradiation on fatigue stress limits and on the optical properties of mirror surfaces.