Magnetic Thrust Chamber Propulsion System for Controlling Laser-Produced Plasma by Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Laser Fusion Rocket (LFR) is an advanced propulsion system that converts Inertial Fusion Energy into thrust energy in Magnetic Thrust Chamber. We study this system through numerical simulation and laser-produced plasma experiment at Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) facility of Institute of Laser Engineering (ILE), Osaka University. We conducted experiments at that facility that has single-beam Nd:YAG laser (the maximum energy 2 J). We observed polystyrene plasma distribution in magnetic field of neodymium permanent magnet. The results of those experiments show that the laser-produced plasma was redirected by magnetic field. In the future, we plan to measure Impulse bit with a thrust stand at GEKKO-XII facility of ILE that has 12-beam glass laser (the maximum energy 6 kJ).