Plasma physics simulations of double potential wells in an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device

Abstract

Summary form only given. The formation and behavior of double potential wells in an IEC fusion device was investigated using IXL-a one-dimensional code that solves the Poisson-Vlasov equations for a collisionless spherical plasma. IXL results represent an important limiting case where space charge effects dominate. The formation of a deep and stable double well is essential for good ion confinement, hence successful development of the IEC device as a future power source. The dependence of the double well depth and width on the plasma parameters (ion and electron currents, radial and perpendicular energy spread, ion and electron injection energies) was studied. The changes of the ion and electron densities and the fusion rate in the presence of the double well were investigated. The fusion core radius and its variation with plasma parameters were evaluated.