Abstract: A compact fission reactor generates a flux of fission fragments, fission neutrons, and gamma-ray photons. The flux excites a noble element converter medium which produces light. Optical means are provided for focusing the light onto an array of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells convert the light radiation into electrical energy for various load applications.

Abstract: A fiber optic system detects temperature transients in a superconducting magnet. A signal optical fiber is placed in function proximity with the superconducting magnet for responding to a temperature transient condition and a reference optical fiber is remote from the signal optical fiber. A coherent light outputs coherent light for input to the signal and reference optical fiber to provide a phase shift of about 90.degree. to the coherent light in the signal or reference optical fiber. In one embodiment, a low pass filter provides feed back to the phase modulator to stabilize the modulation while a high pass filter passes temperature transient signals to a suitable analyzer, such as a digital storage oscilloscope, or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating energy in the form of light radiation. A fusion reactor is provided for generating a long, or continuous, pulse of high-energy neutrons. The neutron flux is coupled directly with the lasing medium. The lasing medium includes a first component selected from Group O of the periodic table of the elements and having a high inelastic scattering cross section. Gamma radiation from the inelastic scattering reactions interacts with the first component to excite the first component, which decays by photon emission at a first output wavelength. The first output wavelength may be shifted to a second output wavelength using a second liquid component responsive to the first output wavelength. The light outputs may be converted to a coherent laser output by incorporating conventional optics adjacent the laser medium.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating energy in the form of laser radiation. A tokamak fusion reactor is provided for generating a long, or continuous, pulse of high-energy neutrons. The tokamak design provides a temperature and a magnetic field which is effective to generate a neutron flux of at least 10.sup.15 neutrons/cm.sup.2.s. A conversion medium receives neutrons from the tokamak and converts the high-energy neutrons to an energy source with an intensity and an energy effective to excite a preselected lasing medium. The energy source typically comprises fission fragments, alpha particles, and radiation from a fission event. A lasing medium is provided which is responsive to the energy source to generate a population inversion which is effective to support laser oscillations for generating output radiation.