Abstract
A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis. As opposed to traditional strategies positron antimatter is considered rather than antiproton antimatter. Positron antimatter can be produced by an ultra- intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. The ultra-intense laser production of positron antimatter mechanism greatly alleviates constraints, such as requirements for antimatter storage imperative for antiproton antimatter. Also the ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight. Various mechanisms for antimatter catalyzed fusion are considered, for which the preferred mechanism is the antiproton hotspot ignition strategy. Fundamental performance analysis is subsequently applied to derive positron antimatter generation requirements and associated propulsion performance. The characteristics of the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target imply a promising non-chemical propulsion alternative for the transport of bulk cargo to support space missions.
Highlights
The recent capability of ultra-intense lasers has enabled new strategies for nonchemical propulsion systems
A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis
The ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight
Summary
The recent capability of ultra-intense lasers has enabled new strategies for nonchemical propulsion systems. LeMoyne and Mastroianni conceptually demonstrated an approach to achieving pulsed antimatter propulsion through the production of positron antimatter by means of an ultra-intense laser striking a gold target. ICAN (Ion Compressed Antiproton Nuclear) utilizes Antimatter Catalyzed Micro-Fission/Fusion (ACMF), which is envisioned for interplanetary space missions, such as Mars. Similar to the proposal of Project New Orion as a photofission derived test and evaluation feasible alternative contrary to the thermonuclear proportion of Project Orion, the conceptual non-chemical propulsion endeavor advocates positron derived antimatter production for eliciting a micro-scale nuclear fusion event. Such a perspective is envisioned as more realistic for near-term testing. The preliminary concept is elucidated through fundamental performance analysis and identification of a suitable mechanism for positron antimatter induced fusion
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