Space-charge dynamics and neutron generation in an inertial-electrostatic confinement device
Nadler, Jonathon Howe
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/21502
Description
Title
Space-charge dynamics and neutron generation in an inertial-electrostatic confinement device
Author(s)
Nadler, Jonathon Howe
Issue Date
1992
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Miley, George H.
Department of Study
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
Discipline
Nuclear Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Engineering, Electronics and Electrical
Engineering, Nuclear
Physics, Fluid and Plasma
Language
eng
Abstract
Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) is an alternative approach to fusion power that offers the ability to burn advanced fuels like D-He$\sp3$ in a non-Maxwellian, high density core. These aneutronic reactions are ideal for direct energy conversion.
The results presented here are the first potential well measurements of an IEC-type device via a collimated proton detector. They indicate that a $\sim$14-kV positive potential well has formed inside a hollow, spherical cathode-grid at a potential of 30 kV, and a current of 12 mA.
The formation of microchannels during the operation of the IEC devices suggests that angular momentum may be lower than what was earlier calculated for highly transparent cathode-grids. In addition, the generation of molecular ions in a glow discharge has been identified as a significant process in the formation of potential wells inside a discharge-type IEC device.
A neutron generator based on the IEC of a fusion plasma has been demonstrated and characterized to generate a neutron source strength of $6\times10\sp5$ n/s from deuterium-deuterium, ion beam-background neutral gas fusion reactions at 30-kV. Scaling to higher neutron rates ($\sim$10$\sp{10}$ D-T n/s), using higher voltages and modified grid spacings is discussed. Such a generator has definite advantages over conventional ion beam-solid target generators and neutron emanating isotopes for low level neutron source applications.
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