Photon Beam (e.g., Laser) Irradiation Patents (Class 376/103)
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Patent number: 11783952Abstract: Application of axial seed magnetic fields in the range 20-100 T that compress to greater than 10,000 T (100 MG) under typical NIF implosion conditions may significantly relax the conditions required for ignition and propagating burn in NIF ignition targets that are degraded by hydrodynamic instabilities. Such magnetic fields can: (a) permit the recovery of ignition, or at least significant alpha particle heating, in submarginal NIF targets that would otherwise fail because of adverse hydrodynamic instability growth, (b) permit the attainment of ignition in conventional cryogenic layered solid-DT targets redesigned to operate under reduced drive conditions, (c) permit the attainment of volumetric ignition in simpler, room-temperature single-shell DT gas capsules, and (d) ameliorate adverse hohlraum plasma conditions during laser drive and capsule compression. In general, an applied magnetic field should always improve the ignition condition for any NIF ignition target design.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Lindsay John Perkins, Jim H. Hammer, John H. Moody, Max Tabak, Burl Grant Logan
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Patent number: 11430577Abstract: Methods, devices and system for asymmetric inertial confinement fusion are disclosed. One method includes a fixing in position a target capsule comprising an inertial confinement fusion fuel, where the target capsule is substantially spherical. The method further includes for applying an oscillatory compression to the target capsule. The oscillatory compression includes compression at a first time in a radial direction orthogonal to a diametric axis of the target capsule, and compression at a second time along the diametric axis to drive the target capsule into driven into an ovoid shape. The oval shaped target can implode upon being further driven at a third time.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Luc Peterson, Scott T. Brandon, John E. Field, Kelli Denise Humbird, Steve Langer, Ryan Charles Nora, Brian K. Spears
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Patent number: 11227693Abstract: Application of axial seed magnetic fields in the range 20-100 T that compress to greater than 10,000 T (100 MG) under typical NIF implosion conditions may significantly relax the conditions required for ignition and propagating burn in NIF ignition targets that are degraded by hydrodynamic instabilities. Such magnetic fields can: (a) permit the recovery of ignition, or at least significant alpha particle heating, in submarginal NIF targets that would otherwise fail because of adverse hydrodynamic instability growth, (b) permit the attainment of ignition in conventional cryogenic layered solid-DT targets redesigned to operate under reduced drive conditions, (c) permit the attainment of volumetric ignition in simpler, room-temperature single-shell DT gas capsules, and (d) ameliorate adverse hohlraum plasma conditions during laser drive and capsule compression. In general, an applied magnetic field should always improve the ignition condition for any NIF ignition target design.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Lindsay John Perkins, Jim H. Hammer, John H. Moody, Max Tabak, Burl Grant Logan
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Patent number: 11087892Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating neutrons from fission, fusion or aneutronic nuclear reactions in a reactor (100), in particular in a laser-driven nuclear fusion reactor (100) which operates with hydrogen and the boron-11 isotope, in which method at least some moderated neutrons are made to undergo a nuclear reaction with tin (11). As a result of the nuclear reactions with tin, the neutrons convert the tin nuclei into stable nuclei having a higher atomic weight resulting from neutron capture. The invention also relates to a reactor (100) which is designed for energy conversion by means of fission, fusion or aneutronic nuclear reactions and for generating electric energy, wherein the reactor contains a neutron elimination device (50) which contains tin and is arranged such that at least some moderated neutrons are made to undergo a nuclear reaction with the tin.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Inventor: Heinrich Hora
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Patent number: 10459212Abstract: Systems and methods for assaying the viscoelastic properties of a heterogeneous material are provided. The systems and methods allow for application of an in situ calibrated optical trap to optical trap beads within the material to assay the viscoelastic properties. In several embodiments, the material can be a biological material, such as tumor tissue or skin tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human ServiceInventors: Kandice Tanner, Benjamin Blehm, Alexus Devine
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Patent number: 10410752Abstract: A method for generating electrical energy, comprising the steps of providing a fusion fuel (1), the fusion fuel (1) being held in a magnetic field within a cylindrical reaction chamber (2), initiating nuclear fusion in the fusion fuel (1), in which a fusion flame is produced by fusion laser pulses (4) having a pulse duration of less than 10 ps and a power of more than 1 petawatt, and converting the energy that is released during the nuclear fusion from the nuclei that are produced into power plant power, wherein the magnetic field has a field strength which is greater than or equal to 1 kilotesla and the nuclear fusion has an energy yield of more than 500 per laser energy of the fusion laser pulses (4) that produce the fusion flame. Also described is a nuclear fusion reactor which is configured for generating electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignees: UJK Management GMBHInventor: Heinrich Hora
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Patent number: 10134491Abstract: Application of axial seed magnetic fields in the range 20-100 T that compress to greater than 10,000 T (100 MG) under typical NIF implosion conditions may significantly relax the conditions required for ignition and propagating burn in NIF ignition targets that are degraded by hydrodynamic instabilities. Such magnetic fields can: (a) permit the recovery of ignition, or at least significant alpha particle heating, in submarginal NIF targets that would otherwise fail because of adverse hydrodynamic instability growth, (b) permit the attainment of ignition in conventional cryogenic layered solid-DT targets redesigned to operate under reduced drive conditions, (c) permit the attainment of volumetric ignition in simpler, room-temperature single-shell DT gas capsules, and (d) ameliorate adverse hohlraum plasma conditions during laser drive and capsule compression. In general, an applied magnetic field should always improve the ignition condition for any NIF ignition target design.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Lindsay John Perkins, Jim H. Hammer, John D. Moody, Max Tabak, George Beedon Zimmerman, Burl Grant Logan
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Patent number: 9171646Abstract: A laser inertial-confinement fusion-fission energy power plant is described. The fusion-fission hybrid system uses inertial confinement fusion to produce neutrons from a fusion reaction of deuterium and tritium. The fusion neutrons drive a sub-critical blanket of fissile or fertile fuel. A coolant circulated through the fuel extracts heat from the fuel that is used to generate electricity. The inertial confinement fusion reaction can be implemented using central hot spot or fast ignition fusion, and direct or indirect drive. The fusion neutrons result in ultra-deep burn-up of the fuel in the fission blanket, thus enabling the burning of nuclear waste. Fuels include depleted uranium, natural uranium, enriched uranium, spent nuclear fuel, thorium, and weapons grade plutonium. LIFE engines can meet worldwide electricity needs in a safe and sustainable manner, while drastically shrinking the highly undesirable stockpiles of depleted uranium, spent nuclear fuel and excess weapons materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Edward I. Moses, Jeffery F. Latkowski, Kevin J. Kramer
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Patent number: 9068562Abstract: A propulsion apparatus includes a propellant, at least one laser, and a thrust member. The propellant includes a solid surface having a hollow core disposed within the solid surface and a thrust-producing medium disposed within the hollow core. The at least one laser is positioned to vaporize the propellant with at least one laser-beam into a thrust-producing flow. The thrust member is for flowing within the thrust member a thrust-producing flow created by vaporization of the propellant.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert J. Budica, James S. Herzberg, Frank O. Chandler
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Patent number: 8934599Abstract: Systems for enhancing preignition conditions of a fusion reaction are disclosed. A first system includes a target chamber for receiving a fusion fuel, and energy driving means oriented to direct plasma confinement structure onto to the fusion fuel to facilitate ignition of a controlled fusion reaction of said fusion fuel. A plurality of electron sources provides electron beams of a predetermined energy and one of fluence and quantity, directed onto and illuminating, a fusion fuel-derived plasma for controlling the ratio of ion temperature and electron temperature of the plasma. A second system comprises a central target chamber for receiving a spherical pellet of fusion target material and at least first and second pluralities of energy drivers oriented to supply temporally-staged X-ray pulses to the fusion target material in a 3-dimensionally symmetric manner about said pellet. A third system combines aspects of the first and second systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLCInventor: Curtis A. Birnbach
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Publication number: 20140348283Abstract: Application of axial seed magnetic fields in the range 20-100 T that compress to greater than 10,000 T (100 MG) under typical NIF implosion conditions may significantly relax the conditions required for ignition and propagating burn in NIF ignition targets that are degraded by hydrodynamic instabilities. Such magnetic fields can: (a) permit the recovery of ignition, or at least significant alpha particle heating, in submarginal NIF targets that would otherwise fail because of adverse hydrodynamic instability growth, (b) permit the attainment of ignition in conventional cryogenic layered solid-DT targets redesigned to operate under reduced drive conditions, (c) permit the attainment of volumetric ignition in simpler, room-temperature single-shell DT gas capsules, and (d) ameliorate adverse hohlraum plasma conditions during laser drive and capsule compression. In general, an applied magnetic field should always improve the ignition condition for any NIF ignition target design.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Lindsay John Perkins, Jim H. Hammer, John D. Moody, Max Tabak, George Beedon Zimmerman, Burl Grant Logan
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Publication number: 20140334585Abstract: A hybrid indirect-drive/direct drive for inertial confinement fusion utilizing laser beams from a first direction and laser beams from a second direction including a central fusion fuel component; a first portion of a shell surrounding said central fusion fuel component, said first portion of a shell having a first thickness; a second portion of a shell surrounding said fusion fuel component, said second portion of a shell having a second thickness that is greater than said thickness of said first portion of a shell; and a hohlraum containing at least a portion of said fusion fuel component and at least a portion of said first portion of a shell; wherein said hohlraum is in a position relative to said first laser beam and to receive said first laser beam and produce X-rays that are directed to said first portion of a shell and said fusion fuel component; and wherein said fusion fuel component and said second portion of a shell are in a position relative to said second laser beam such that said second portionType: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Lindsay John Perkins
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Publication number: 20140286471Abstract: An architecture for a fusion power plant is disclosed. The plant includes a fusion chamber for producing neutrons from a fusion reaction, and a laser system in which lasers are arranged about a vacuum chamber to provide energy to the fusion chamber to initiate the fusion reaction. The beam paths between the lasers and the fusion chamber are configured to prevent neutrons from the fusion chamber from reaching the laser system at a level that would preclude human access to the laser system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Edward I. Moses, Jeffery F. Latkowski, Thomas M. Anklam, Mary L. Spaeth, Anthony Michael Dunne, Richard H. Sawicki, Robert J. Deri, Robin R. Miles, Andrew J. Bayramian, Kenneth R. Manes, Peter A. Amendt, Alvin C. Erlandson
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Publication number: 20140044226Abstract: Embodiments of a laser system having an extremely large number of small pulsed lasers for irradiating small targets in inertial confinement fusion experiments, high energy density physics experiments, and inertial fusion power plants is more flexible than existing laser systems. Embodiments facilitate finer control of critical features of laser pulses for inertial fusion, as well as significant reduction in development costs and expansion of the community involved in the research relative to existing laser systems. Embodiments produce smooth intensity profiles at the target, large bandwidth that is over two orders of magnitude greater than existing laser systems, and fine control over laser wavelengths, focal properties, temporal pulse shape, and illumination geometry. Properties of each of the small pulsed lasers are individually selectable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: LOGOS TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: E. Michael Campbell, David Eimerl, William F. Krupke
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Patent number: 8576971Abstract: A method and system for achieving fusion is provided. The method includes providing laser source that generates a laser beam and a target that includes a capsule embedded in the target and filled with DT gas. The laser beam is directed at the target. The laser beam helps create an electron beam within the target. The electron beam heats the capsule, the DT gas, and the area surrounding the capsule. At a certain point equilibrium is reached. At the equilibrium point, the capsule implodes and generates enough pressure on the DT gas to ignite the DT gas and fuse the DT gas nuclei.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Joseph A. Sefcik, Scott C. Wilks
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Publication number: 20120307950Abstract: An object is to be capable of inducing a nuclear fusion reaction at a relatively high efficiency and downsize a device. A nuclear fusion device 1 of the present invention includes a nuclear fusion target 7 including a target substrate 7a containing deuterium or tritium and a thin-film layer 7b containing deuterium or tritium stacked on the target substrate 7a, a vacuum container 5 for storing the nuclear fusion target 7, and a laser unit 3 for irradiating two successive first and second pulsed laser lights P1, P2 toward the thin-film layer 7b of the nuclear fusion target 7, and the intensity of the first pulsed laser light P1 is set to a value that is smaller than that of the second pulsed laser light P2 and allows peeling of the thin-film layer 7b from the target substrate 7a.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicants: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Takashi Sekine, Toshiyuki Kawashima, Hirofumi Kan, Yoneyoshi Kitagawa, Yoshitaka Mori, Hirozumi Azuma, Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Yasushi Miyamoto, Naoki Nakamura
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Patent number: 8139287Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for amplifying an energy beam such as a beam of laser light or a charged particle beam. An exemplary method includes providing a liner having a first end, a second end, a liner axis, and a lumen extending along the liner axis and being bound by interior reflective walls of the liner. An energy beam is introduced into the first end of the liner. The beam propagates through the lumen from the first end to the second end as the beam reflects multiple times from the interior walls of the liner. Meanwhile, an implosive force is applied to the liner. The implosive force compresses the interior walls implosively toward the liner axis in a manner that amplifies the beam as the beam propagates through the lumen of the imploding liner. The amplified energy beam can be used for any of various purposes including ignition of a fusion target.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: Friedwardt M. Winterberg
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Publication number: 20120057665Abstract: Using three tunable wavelengths on different cones of laser beams the energy transfer between beams can be tuned to redistribute the energy within the cones of beams most prone to backscatter instabilities. Using a third wavelength provides a greater level of control of the laser energy distribution and coupling in the hohlraum, to significantly reduce stimulated Raman scattering losses and increase the hohlraum radiation drive, yet maintain implosion symmetry.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Edward I. Moses, Siegfried H. Glenzer, Pierre A. Michel, Laurent Divol, Brian J. MacGowan
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Patent number: 8130893Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic simulator that includes a plasma container. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes an first ionizable gas substantially contained within the plasma container. In addition, the magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electrical connection on a first side of the gap, a second electrical connection of a second side of the gap, and a first material having at least one of low magnetic susceptibility and high conductivity. The first loop can be made up from an assembly of one or a plethora or wire loop coils. In such cases, electrical connection is made through the ends of the coil wires. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator further includes an electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasma container and through the first loop.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Nassim Haramein
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Publication number: 20120014491Abstract: A nuclear fusion power plant having a spherical blast-chamber filled with a liquid coolant that breeds tritium, absorbs neutrons, and functions as both an acoustical and laser medium. Fuel bubbles up through the sphere's base and is positioned using computer guided piezoelectric transducers that are located outside the blast-chamber. These generate phase-shifted standing-waves that tractor the bubble to the center. Once there, powerful acoustic compression waves are launched. Shortly before these reach the fuel, an intense burst of light is pumped into the sphere, making the liquid laser-active. When the shockwaves arrive, the fuel temperature skyrockets and it radiates brightly. This, photon-burst, seeds outgoing laser cascades that return, greatly amplified, from the sphere's polished innards. Trapped within a reflecting sphere, squeezed on all sides by high-density matter, the fuel cannot cool or disassemble before thorough combustion. The blast's kinetic energy is absorbed piezoelectrically.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Mike Deeth
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Patent number: 8073094Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic simulator that includes a plasma container. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes an first ionizable gas substantially contained within the plasma container. In addition, the magnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electrical connection on a first side of the gap, a second electrical connection of a second side of the gap, and a first material having at least one of low magnetic susceptibility and high conductivity. The first loop can be made up from an assembly of one or a plethora or wire loop coils. In such cases, electrical connection is made through the ends of the coil wires. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator further includes an electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasma container and through the first loop.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Nassim Haramein
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Publication number: 20110170646Abstract: One or more beam channels through which laser beams are directed, via one or more lasers, onto material of a sample in a sample chamber, are placed in a sample body. The laser beams generate a plasma in the material of the sample and directly or indirectly trigger reactions in the atomic nucleus or the electron shell. These reactions lead to a nuclear fission or fusion or to the generation of gamma rays or neutrons. Furthermore, gamma rays or neutrons can be conveyed to the sample body or to the beam channels, in order to trigger the same reactions. Discs can prevent or delay thermal energy or plasma from escaping in the beam channels. A positive or negative voltage U can be applied to the sample body or to electrodes situated within it, in order to suck up or convey electrons and favour the desired reactions. The sample body may be wholly or partially transparent, in order to adjust the focal points of the laser beams onto the material of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Alfons Roschel
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Publication number: 20090154630Abstract: A fusion fuel composition has two or more light nuclei combined with a cage-like molecule. The light nuclei may be, for example, deuterium and tritium, and the cage-like molecule may be, for example, a fullerene molecule. A fusion reaction to consume the fusion fuel may be ignited, for example, via compression methods including chemical or laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Edward Donald Miller
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Publication number: 20080247930Abstract: A nano-fusion reactor comprised of nano-particles such as carbon based nanotubes, endohedral fullerenes and other nano materials encapsulating fusible fuels such as the hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium. The nano-devices encapsulate the fusible materials and ignite fusion reactions which in some of the embodiments consume the nano-fusion reactor device requiring the replenishment of these devices so to continue the fusible reactions. The reactions can be controlled and scaled through modulated presentation of fusion targets to the ignition chamber. The fusion reactions are ignited in the embodiments through one or more of the applied forces in the fusion reactor: electromagnetic compressive, electrostatic, and thermo. These applied forces in conjunction with the extreme structural strength, the ablation forces and purity of the nano-fusion device produces maximum forces necessary for the production of a shock wave on the nano-encapsulated device to ignite one or a plurality of fusion reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Robert Hotto
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Publication number: 20030152184Abstract: A reactor and method is disclosed that creates a stabilized, heated plasma and generates a large amount of thermal energy. The initial plasma may be created by heating, either through combustion reactions and/or external heating mechanism, a fuel which is a source of hydrogen ions and air (or oxygen) inside the reactor chamber, and then locally ionizing the hot matter with an external source of radiation, such as a laser and/or an electrical discharge and/or microwave discharge. A gas vortex around the plasma mass may be maintained to control the plasma mass, shape, and location.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Stephen H. Shehane, Rick Bernard Spielman, Jean-Francais P. Leon, Mike Fraim
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Patent number: 6477217Abstract: Flow of mercury from a liquid-heavy-metal inflow port toward an inner forward end of a container body is rectified by a plurality of incoming-passage guide vanes in a liquid-heavy-metal incoming passage. Flow of the mercury from the forward end of the container body toward a liquid-heavy-metal outflow port is rectified by a plurality of return-passage guide vanes in a liquid-heavy-metal return passage. As a result, occurrence of stagnation and/or recirculation flows of the mercury in the container body is suppressed and a steady and highly uniform stream of the mercury is formed throughout in the container body. The container body is covered with a container outer shell to prevent any leakage of the mercury to outside due to a damage of the container body.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryutaro Hino, Masanori Kaminaga, Hidetaka Kinoshita, Noriaki Anbo, Atsuhiko Terada, Hiroyuki Uchida
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Patent number: 5818649Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing electromagnetic energy may be used as a directed energy weapon, illuminator for an active sensor and/or guidance system, counter-measure, or to ignite a fusion weapon; as a beam expander; for power transmission by a beam; propulsion by a beam or inertial fusion; power generation from inertial fusion; telecommunication; or computer hardware. The method and apparatus direct electromagnetic energy from a source made up of an area or volume as opposed to a point. Electromagnetic energy of at least one wavelength is emitted first towards a defined surface and thence to a defining surface. Each surface is either everywhere reflective or refractive, and each point on the defined surface lies at a point of intersection of a pair of defining rays radiating from different points on or within the source. Each defining ray is of a defining wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: John E. Anderson
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Patent number: 5043131Abstract: A method of igniting a deuterium-tritium ICF fuel target to obtain fuel burn in which the fuel target initially includes a hollow spherical shell having a frozen layer of DT material at substantially uniform thickness and cryogenic temperature around the interior surface of the shell. The target is permitted to free-fall through a target chamber having walls heated by successive target ignitions, so that the target is uniformly heated during free-fall to at least partially melt the frozen fuel layer and form a liquid single-phase layer or a mixed liquid/solid bi-phase layer of substantially uniform thickness around the interior shell surface. The falling target is then illuminated from exteriorly of the chamber while the fuel layer is at substantially uniformly single or bi-phase so as to ignite the fuel layer and release energy therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1989Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: KMS Fusion, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Musinski, Michael T. Mruzek
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Patent number: 4874596Abstract: An apparatus and method for reacting on material by means of intense radiation employed to change the physical and, in certain instances, the chemical characteristics of such material. In one form, an intense radiation beam is directed into a cavity of a die or support for a small quantity of material to be reacted on and the intense heat of the beam as well as the shock wave generated in the material in the die cavity by the rapid heat of the beam react on such material to change its physical characteristics. In another form, two or more intense radiation beams, such as generated by one or more lasers or electron guns as intense pulses of radiation, are directed against a particle or pellet of material directed along a predetermined path into a reaction chamber, intensely heat and transmit shock wave energy thereto from opposite directions which shock waves collapse against the material transforming it into another form.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1984Date of Patent: October 17, 1989Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson
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Patent number: 4687618Abstract: A laser target comprising a thermonuclear fuel capsule composed of a centrally located quantity of fuel surrounded by at least one or more layers or shells of material for forming an atmosphere around the capsule by a low energy laser prepulse. The fuel may be formed as a solid core or hollow shell, and, under certain applications, a pusher-layer or shell is located intermediate the fuel and the atmosphere forming material. The fuel is ignited by symmetrical implosion via energy produced by a laser, or other energy sources such as an electron beam machine or ion beam machine, whereby thermonuclear burn of the fuel capsule creates energy for applications such as generation of electricity via a laser fusion reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1975Date of Patent: August 18, 1987Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John H. Nuckolls, Albert R. Thiessen
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Patent number: 4608222Abstract: A method of achieving the controlled release of thermonuclear energy by illuminating a minute, solid density, hollow shell of a mixture of material such as deuterium and tritium with a high intensity, uniformly converging laser wave to effect an extremely rapid build-up of energy in inwardly traveling shock waves to implode the shell creating thermonuclear conditions causing a reaction of deuterons and tritons and a resultant high energy thermonuclear burn. Utilizing the resulting energy as a thermal source and to breed tritium or plutonium.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1973Date of Patent: August 26, 1986Assignee: KMS Fusion, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Brueckner
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Patent number: 4455277Abstract: Apparatus for forming and utilizing a sequence of electron beam segments, each of the same temporal length (substantially 15 nsec), with consecutive beams being separated by a constant time interval of the order of 3 nsec. The beam sequence is used for simultaneous inputs to a plurality of wiggler magnet systems that also accept the laser beams to be amplified by interaction with the co-propagating electron beams. The electron beams are arranged substantially in a circle to allow proper distribution of and simultaneous switching out of the beam segments to their respective wiggler magnets.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1982Date of Patent: June 19, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Leland G. Schlitt
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Patent number: 4448743Abstract: Improved generation, insulated confinement and heating of ultra-high temperature steady-state plasmas in such devices as the optical plasmotron of Raizer and the freely floating plasma filament of Kapitza wherein the temperature of the plasma is increased by increasing the static pressure of the ambient medium (or decreasing the frequency of the radiant energy supply) while increasing the radiant energy supply's power and wherein the relationships between the ambient pressure, the amount of initially projected ionizing energy, the focal spot radius of this initial energy, the wavelength of the radiant energy supply, the transparency of the plasma, the rate of bremmstrahlung radiation energy losses, the power of the radiant energy supply and the ratio of the static pressure increase (or frequency decrease) are so optimized as to enable attainment of plasma temperatures more than an order of magnitude greater than hitherto attainable by any process of such a type.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1979Date of Patent: May 15, 1984Assignee: Applied Fusion Research CorporationInventor: Robert W. Bass
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Patent number: 4341730Abstract: This invention relates to and comprises materials for fuel elements, and optical and electromagnetic equipment for ignition and maintenance of controlled fusion processes, for use in powering engines and as an energy source for driving electrical generators for electric power stations. Characteristics for commercial development are described. An approach for intensifying the heat of gas flames is also indicated.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1980Date of Patent: July 27, 1982Inventor: Henry B. Maier
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Patent number: 4304627Abstract: A piston is moved by a laser incited fusion reaction such as deuterium-tritium (D-T) to thereby produce an expandable fusion chamber. When a gaseous substance such as CO.sub.2 is presented in the presence of the fusion reaction, it is dissociated into CO and O.sub.2 component mixture and the expansion of the chamber rapidly cools the mixture and quenches the back reaction thereby producing a greater CO yield. Also the piston produces peripheral power from the fusion reaction in the form of mechanical energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1978Date of Patent: December 8, 1981Assignee: Texas Gas Transmission CorporationInventor: John G. Lewis
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Patent number: 4297165Abstract: In connection with a fusion process which can be initiated by a high energy input such as a laser beam, the use of a layer of uranium surrounding the fusion fuel such as deuterium-tritium or a non-cryogenic fuel such as lithium deuterium-lithium tritium. The uranium serves as a tamper layer to contain the fusion fuel and supplement the heating by a fission reaction which not only increases the fusion yield but increases the time of disassembly, thus materially increasing the efficiency of the fusion system.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1970Date of Patent: October 27, 1981Assignee: KMS Fusion, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Breuckner
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Patent number: H508Abstract: Hybrid-drive implosion systems (20,40) for ICF targets (10,22,42) are described which permit a significant increase in target gain at fixed total driver energy. The ICF target is compressed in two phases, an initial compression phase and a final peak power phase, with each phase driven by a separate, optimized driver. The targets comprise a hollow spherical ablator (12) surroundingly disposed around fusion fuel (14). The ablator is first compressed to higher density by a laser system (24), or by an ion beam system (44), that in each case is optimized for this initial phase of compression of the target. Then, following compression of the ablator, energy is directly delivered into the compressed ablator by an ion beam driver system (30,48) that is optimized for this second phase of operation of the target. The fusion fuel (14) is driven, at high gain, to conditions wherein fusion reactions occur.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1987Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: James W. Mark