Magnetized Target Fusion: An Overview

Abstract

The magnetized target fusion (MTF) concept is explained, and the underlying principles are discussed. The necessity of creating a target plasma and the advantage of decoupling its creation from the implosion used to achieve fusion ignition are explained. The Sandia National Laboratories Φ-target experiments is one concrete example of the MTF concept, but other experiments have involved some elements of MTF. Lindl-Widner diagrams are used to elucidate the parameter space available to MTF and the physics of MTF ignition. Magnetized target fusion has both limitations and advantages relative to inertial confinement fusion. The chief advantage is that the driver for an MTF target can be orders of magnitude less powerful and intense than what is required for other inertial fusion approaches. A number of critical issues challenge the practical realization of MTF. Past experience, critical issues, and potential integral MTF experiments are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ronald C. Kirkpatrick

Ronald C. Kirkpatrick (BS, electrical engineering, 1959, and MS, physics, 1963, Texas A&M University; PhD, astronomy, University of Texas at Austin, 1969) is a staff member at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Irvin R. Lindemuth

Irvin R. Lindemuth (BS, electrical engineering, Lehigh University, 1965; MS, 1967, and PhD, 1971, applied science and engineering, University of California at Davis/Livermore) was a visiting professor in the Nuclear Engineering Department at Texas A&M University in 1991-1992 and remains a member of the graduate faculty as an adjunct professor.

Marjorie S. Ward

Marjorie S. Ward (BS, physics, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 1993) is currently a graduate student in nuclear engineering at the University of Wisconsin.