Stand-off energy sources for Z-pinch implosions

An issue of stand-off energy sources is in an early stage of development. Several concepts have been identified as potential solution of the problem. Those based on the total disconnection between the target assembly and the primary energy source have an obvious advantage in that they allow one to relatively easily protect the permanent part. Indeed, a fast projectile travelling at the velocity of 10 km/s covers the distance of 10 m in 1 ms, the time that is sufficient to mechanically shield the line of site. Auxiliary power supply in the form of an electron beam can be protected by using a magnetic wiggling in the transport channel in the permanent part of the facility. Of some help is also the fact that this auxiliary source operates 10 or so microseconds before the fusion energy release occurs. Another advantage of this approach is related to its compatibility with high rep-rate mode, up to tens pulses per second (because there is no need to insert heavy large-volume parts into the reaction chamber). An obvious disadvantage is that the assembly should contain a more or less complex on-board circuitry. Those concepts that are based on the direct mechanical connection between themore » external pulse-forming line and the disposable inner part of the transmission line (connected in turn to the Z-pinch diode) have an obvious advantage in eliminating any intermediate steps in delivering the energy to the pinch. They work essentially as the presently used Z-pinch devices and should provide the same high efficiency. A difficulty of this approach is related to the presence of the insulating slot in the walls of the reaction chamber that directly links the disposable inner part of the energy transmission system and permanent external energy source. The slot is vulnerable to mechanical perturbations and neutron irradiation that may propagate into the permanent part of the source and cause a damage to it. Mechanical damage could be reduced by the technique of hydrodynamic channeling or hydrodynamic lensing mentioned in Sets 3 and 4. Those concept that are based on the total disconnection between the target assembly and the primary energy source have an obvious advantage in that they allow one to relatively easily protect the permanent part. Indeed, a fast projectile travelling at the velocity of 10 km/s covers the distance of 10 m in 1 ms, the time that is sufficient to mechanically shield the line of site. Auxiliary power supply in the form of an electron beam can be protected by using a magnetic wiggling in the transport channel in the permanent part of the facility. Of some help is also the fact that this auxiliary source operates 10 or so microseconds before the fusion energy release occurs. Another advantage of this approach is related to its compatibility with high rep-rate mode, up to tens pulses per second (because there is no need to insert heavy large-volume parts into the reaction chamber). An obvious disadvantage is that the assembly should contain a more or less complex on-board circuitry.« less