Abstract: An example method includes directing gas, via one or more first valves, from within an inner electrode to an acceleration region between the inner electrode and an outer electrode that substantially surrounds the inner electrode, directing gas, via two or more second valves, from outside the outer electrode to the acceleration region, and applying, via a power supply, a voltage between the inner electrode and the outer electrode, thereby converting at least a portion of the directed gas into a plasma saving a substantially annular cross section, the plasma flowing axially within the acceleration region toward a first end of the inner electrode and a first end of the outer electrode and, thereafter, establishing a Z-pinch plasma that flows between the first end of the outer electrode and the first end of the inner electrode. Related plasma confinement systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and a device for changing direction of movement of a beam of accelerated charged particles are based on the use of a curved channel which is made from a material that is able to be electrically charged, and formation of the same kind of charge on an inside surface of the channel wall as that of the particles. Maintenance of a condition that relates an energy and a charge of the particles to geometrical parameters of the channel is required, in particular, a radius R of curvature of a longitudinal axis thereof, and to electrical strength of the wall material. The beam can possibly be rotated through large angles without loss of intensity, significantly simplifying a design, and also reducing the mass and dimensions of all devices, particularly by obviating a need for magnets and supply voltage and control voltage sources for such devices.

Abstract: A fusion device produces fusion of neutral atoms and ions in an “aneutronic fusion” manner without neutrons as products utilizes strong ion-neutral coupling at high neutral densities. Ions and neutrals rotate together in a cylindrical chamber due to frequent collisions. High magnetic forces make the attainment of high rotation energy possible; the magnetic field in a medium can be set at very high values because of the absence of magnetic charges. The repeated acceleration by strong magnetic forces in the azimuthal direction makes possible very high ion velocity. Fusion takes place mainly between neutral particles. This approach can be applied to fusion with neutrons as well. Conventional fusion schemes and neutron sources can be realized using the principles described above in the generation of neutrals of high energies and densities.

Abstract: A fusion device produces fusion of neutral atoms and ions in an “aneutronic fusion” manner without neutrons as products utilizes strong ion-neutral coupling at high neutral densities. Ions and neutrals rotate together in a cylindrical chamber due to frequent collisions. High magnetic forces make the attainment of high rotation energy possible; the magnetic field in a medium can be set at very high values because of the absence of magnetic charges. The repeated acceleration by strong magnetic forces in the azimuthal direction makes possible very high ion velocity. Fusion takes place mainly between neutral particles. This approach can be applied to fusion with neutrons as well. Conventional fusion schemes and neutron sources can be realized using the principles described above in the generation of neutrals of high energies and densities.

Abstract: A fusion device produces fusion of neutral atoms and ions in an “aneutronic fusion” manner without neutrons as products utilizes strong ion-neutral coupling at high neutral densities. Ions and neutrals rotate together in a cylindrical chamber due to frequent collisions. High magnetic forces make the attainment of high rotation energy possible; the magnetic field in a medium can be set at very high values because of the absence of magnetic charges. The repeated acceleration by strong magnetic forces in the azimuthal direction makes possible very high ion velocity. Fusion takes place mainly between neutral particles. This approach can be applied to fusion with neutrons as well. Conventional fusion schemes and neutron sources can be realized using the principles described above in the generation of neutrals of high energies and densities.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An energy-producing fusion device produces fusion of neutral atoms and ions in an “aneutronic fusion” manner without neutrons as productsutilizes strong ion-neutral coupling at high neutral densities. Ions and neutrals rotate together in a cylindrical chamber due to frequent collisions. High magnetic forces make the attainment of high rotation energy possible; the magnetic field in a medium can be set at very high values because of the absence of magnetic charges. The repeated acceleration by strong magnetic forces in the azimuthal direction makes possible very high ion velocity. Fusion takes place mainly between neutral particles. This approach can be applied to fusion with neutrons as well. Conventional fusion schemes and neutron sources can be realized using the principles described above in the generation of neutrals of high energies and densities.

Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: A novel arrangement that combines in a single compact embodiment a plasma flow switch source of ultrahigh speed plasma and an electromagnetically-imploded cylindrical shell. The shell, known as a liner, forms the wall of a cavity that receives and stagnates the plasma flow. The plasma and the liner are connected electrically in series so that a single multi-megampere current serves both elements and operates from the same power source and switch. The operation is timed so that the plasma is injected into the cavity once the liner has attained sufficient implosion speed. The liner then continues to implode, reducing the cavity volume and compressing the plasma further to very high temperatures and densities, thereby creating a compact, intense pulsed neutron source generated by thermonuclear reactions in the compressed plasma. Such a neutron source has application for neutralizing bio/chemical warfare agents, radiography, and material processing.

Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: Ion particles are discharged so as to be influenced by a magnetic field originated from the earth, and collided with high-altitude neutral air to generate high velocity neutral particles through charge exchange. The high velocity neutral particles are analyzed. The distance to the high-altitude neutral air from at least one of the discharging positions of the ion particles and the measured positions of the high velocity neutral particles is determined based upon the period of time between the discharging time of the ion particles and the time the high velocity neutral particles are analyzed. Moreover, the direction of the high-altitude neutral air is determined by measuring the direction of the high velocity neutral particles. In addition, the spatial position of the high-altitude neutral air is determined based upon the measured direction of the high velocity neutral particles.

Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: A thin foil stripper and simple non-obstructing power meter for a space based neutral particle beam system consisting of a panel of thin foils supported by resistance wires and mounted on a wheel or disk in such a manner that the surface used for stripping the beam may be changed or replaced periodically. The power meter consists of four resistors arranged in the form of a bridge, a power source (battery), a detector (voltmeter), and a display unit (recorded, etc.). Two of the resistors consist of the wires which support the foils and are nearly identical. The other two resistors are used to balance the bridge. When one of the strippers is exposed to the neutral particle beam, the support wire is heated, the resistance changes, and the bridge becomes unbalanced. The magnitude of the voltage produced is proportional to the power in the beam. The power meter is non-obstructing.

Abstract: The process for containing a deuterium gas plasma discharge includes providing a cylindrical zone having a cylinder axis; supplying D.sub.

Abstract: A solid state stripper for stripping H.sup.- to H.sup.O is provided that includes a very thin solid state material such as polyvinylidene chloride, mica, and cellophane that is moved at a predetermined speed in front of an accelerated beam of negative ions to cause the negative ions to be stripped to form neutral ions as they pass through the solid state stripper material.

Abstract: A cluster ion synthesis process utilizing a containerless environment to grow in a succession of steps cluster ions of large mass and well defined distribution. The cluster ion growth proceeds in a continuous manner in a plurality of growth chambers which have virtually unlimited storage times and capacities.

Abstract: A method for generating a beam of negatively charged hydrogen ions is described which comprises the steps of providing a source of metal hydride, heating the hydride to extract either atomic hydrogen or negative hydrogen ions directly therefrom, directing an electron beam onto the hydride or applying electrical charge to the hydride in order to ionize the hydrogen atoms or to prevent the ions from losing charge, and electrically accelerating the negative hydrogen ions so produced as a directed beam.

Abstract: An electrostatic projectile accelerator apparatus and related method for accelerating an electrostatic projectile charged to a first polarity through a plurality of pairs of split plates. The pairs of split plates are alternately charged to the first polarity and a second polarity opposite the first polarity. A first ion generator neutralizes the polarity of the projectile or charges the projectile to the second polarity as the projectile passes through the first pair of split plates. A second ion generator recharges the projectile to the first polarity as the projectile passes through the second pair of split plates.

Abstract: A non-coherent photoneutralizer that has a fluorescent light source for neutralizing a negative ion beam as it is passed through a housing in which the fluorescent light source is mounted.

Abstract: A fusion device provides for the reaction of atomic nuclei, preferably deuterons and tritons, to generate reaction products with kinetic energies convertible to useful energy. First and second sources of first and second positive ions provide such ions at temperatures in a range where the ions have a substantially optimum cross section for mutual reaction. The respective ions are accelerated to substantially the same mean velocity and formed into respective beams. The beams are neutralized and directed into a portion of a reaction chamber substantially orthogonally of a substantially constant unidirectional magnetic field as first and second polarized beams of respective first and second positive hot ions. The polarization of the first and second polarized beams is drained, preferably by a plasma created in the portion of the reaction chamber, to separate the neutralizing electrons from the respective first and second positive hot ions.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming high energy neutral atom beams by multiple neutralization.Following a first neutralization, the ions contained in the first neutral particle beam are separated by deflection by means of a quasi-achromatic magnetic doublet and a second neutralization is performed to obtain a second neutral particle beam. More than two neutralizations are possible.Application to the heating of the plasmas of thermonuclear reactors.

Abstract: A process for selectively neutralizing H.sup.- ions in a magnetic field to produce an intense negative hydrogen ion beam with spin polarized protons. Characteristic features of the process include providing a multi-ampere beam of H.sup.- ions that are intersected by a beam of laser light. Photodetachment is effected in a uniform magnetic field that is provided around the beam of H.sup.- ions to spin polarize the H.sup.- ions and produce first and second populations or groups of ions, having their respective proton spin aligned either with the magnetic field or opposite to it. The intersecting beam of laser light is directed to selectively neutralize a majority of the ions in only one population, or given spin polarized group of H.sup.- ions, without neutralizing the ions in the other group thereby forming a population of H.sup.- ions each of which has its proton spin down, and a second group or population of H.sup.o atoms having proton spin up.

Abstract: A plasma containment device for generating and sustaining a ball of plasma therein including an enclosure; a primary electromagnet for generating a primary magnetic field in said enclosure; gas jets positioned at terminal end portions of the primary magnet pole pieces for providing gas under pressure to said enclosure during initial pressurization and for preventing touching contact between electromagnet opposite pole pieces and a plasma ball generated in said enclosure; gas discharge apparatus for selectively sealing said enclosure and for discharging gas from said enclosure; gas ionization apparatus for ionizing gas to form a plasma ball; and plasma energizing apparatus for selectively providing energy to said plasma ball, and for maintaining a large circular electric current in said plasma ball.

Abstract: A polarized internal target apparatus with a polarized gas target of improved polarization and density achieved by mixing target gas atoms with a small amount of alkali metal gas atoms, and passing a high intensity polarized light source into the mixture to cause the alkali metal gas atoms to become polarized which interact in spin exchange collisions with target gas atoms yielding polarized target gas atoms.

Abstract: A neutral beam intensity controller is provided for a neutral beam generator in which a neutral beam is established by accelerating ions from an ion source into a gas neutralizer. An amplitude modulated, rotating magnetic field is applied to the accelerated ion beam in the gas neutralizer to defocus the resultant neutral beam in a controlled manner to achieve intensity control of the neutral beam along the beam axis at constant beam energy. The rotating magnetic field alters the orbits of ions in the gas neutralizer before they are neutralized, thereby controlling the fraction of neutral particles transmitted out of the neutralizer along the central beam axis to a fusion device or the like. The altered path or defocused neutral particles are sprayed onto an actively cooled beam dump disposed perpendicular to the neutral beam axis and having a central open for passage of the focused beam at the central axis of the beamline.

Abstract: A transverse field focused (TFF) system for transport or acceleration of an intense sheet beam of negative ions in which a serial arrangement of a plurality of pairs of concentric cylindrical-arc electrodes is provided. Acceleration of the sheet beam can be achieved by progressively increasing the mean electrode voltage of successive electrode pairs. Because the beam is curved by the electrodes, the system can be designed to transport the beam through a maze passage which is baffled to prevent line of sight therethrough. Edge containment of the beam can be achieved by shaping the side edges of the electrodes to produce an electric force vector directed inwardly from the electrode edges.

Abstract: Neutron activation due to high levels of neutron production in a first heated deuterium-tritium plasma is substantially reduced by using Ion Cyclotron Resonance Frequency (ICRF) heating of energetic .sup.3 He.sup.++ ions in a second deuterium-.sup.3 He.sup.++ plasma which exhibit an energy distribution and density similar to that of alpha particles in fusion reactor experiments to simulate fusion alpha particle heating in the first plasma. The majority of the fast .sup.3 He.sup.++ ions and their slowing down spectrum can be studied using either a modulated hydrogen beam source for producing excited states of He.sup.+ in combination with spectrometers or double charge exchange with a high energy neutral lithium beam and charged particle detectors at the plasma edge. The maintenance problems thus associated with neutron activation are substantially reduced permitting energetic alpha particle behavior to be studied in near term large fusion experiments.

Abstract: A beam direct converter recovers the energy of incoming ion particles intermingled with neutral particles. An angular cylindrical collector of the direct converter has its lengthwise side substantially aligned with the flowing direction of a beam of neutral particles. Angular cylindrical suppressors are provided upstream and downstream of the collector as viewed from the flowing direction of the beam of neutral particles. The collector is set at a positive potential to decelerate ion particles taken into the collector. Suppressors set at a negative potential prevent electrons produced outside of the direct converter from being carried into the collector. A plurality of conductive pipes are embedded in the suppressor. When the conductive pipes are supplied with current running in the same direction, a magnetic field acting in parallel with the plane of the suppressor envelops it.

Abstract: The disclosed negative ion source uses a solid-state element having a semiconductor portion, which source includes a region adapted to dissociate molecules of hydrogen or deuterium in said solid-state element by dissolution, another region adapted to convert the atoms generated through the dissociation of said molecules into negative ions as said atoms reach the proximity of surface of said solid-state element through diffusion process by resonance transition of electrons in said solid-state element and to liberate the thus produced negative ions from said surface by hot electrons in said solid-state element, wherein the dissociation, electronic resonance transition, and liberation continuously occur in succession.

Abstract: An intense, space-charge-neutralized, pulsed ion beam is used to heat a magnetically-confined plasma, such as tokamak plasma, by injecting the ion beam into the plasma along a trajectory that is generally tangential to the confining magnetic field. The intense ion beam is injected into the tokamak before the plasma is fully formed, the remainder of the plasma is formed around the beam, and the beam transfers its energy to the plasma by classical collisions with the electrons and ions of the plasma. Heating of the plasma can be sufficient to produce breakeven or ignition.

Abstract: A gas is introduced into a discharge chamber of an ion source apparatus, and a gas discharge is performed between a thermionic cathode and an anode. Ions are extracted from the plasma formed in this gas discharge by a grid electrode. The thermionic cathode has a hollow cylindrical shape. A cathode chamber is defined by the thermionic cathode and a cylindrical partition wall supporting it. A columnar auxiliary electrode is coaxially inserted in the thermionic cathode. An A.C. voltage from a power source unit is supplied between the thermionic cathode and the auxiliary electrode such that effective power for keeping the thermionic cathode at a positive potential with respect to the auxiliary electrode is higher than that for keeping the auxiliary electrode at a positive potential with respect to the thermionic cathode.

Abstract: A neutral beam injector comprising a neutralizing cell for neutralizing charged particles, and a direct converter for recovering the energy of unneutralized charged particles passed through the neutralizing cell.The direct converter comprises a collector for collecting charged particles, a deflector which is interposed between the neutralizing cell and the collector in order to cross and diverge beams of the charged particles, a first electron suppressor interposed between the neutralizing cell and the deflector, and a second electron suppressor disposed behind the collector.

Abstract: A neutral beamline employing direct energy recovery of unneutralized residual ions is provided which enhances the energy recovery of the full energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer cell, and thus improves the overall neutral beamline efficiency. The unneutralized full energy ions exiting the neutralizer are deflected from the beam path and the electrons in the cell are blocked by a magnetic field applied transverse to the beam direction in the neutral izer exit region. The ions which are generated at essentially ground potential and accelerated through the neutralizer cell by a negative acceleration voltage are collected at ground potential. A neutralizer cell exit end region is provided which allows the magnetic and electric fields acting on the exiting ions to be loosely coupled.

Abstract: A neutral beamline generator with unneutralized ion energy recovery is provided which enhances the energy recovery of the full energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer cell of the beamline. The unneutralized full energy ions exiting the neutralizer are deflected from the beam path and the electrons in the cell are blocked by a magnetic field applied transverse to the beamline in the cell exit region. The ions, which are generated at essentially ground potential and accelerated through the neutralizer cell by a negative acceleration voltage, are collected at ground potential. A neutralizer cell exit end region is provided which allows the magnetic and electric fields acting on the exiting ions to be closely coupled. As a result, the fractional energy ions exiting the cell with the full energy ions are reflected back into the gas cell.

Abstract: A source for a high density electrically neutral beam of combined positive and negative particles suitable for bombardment and heating of a pellet of nuclear fusion material to fusion temperature. A source mounted in a housing with a spherical substrate having positive ion emitter material thereon, first, second and third grids spaced from each other along the beam path, and electron emitters, for providing positive ion beams and electron beams at the same velocity for mixing to provide an overall electrically neutral beam. A source utilizing a zeolite type compound, such as B-eucryptite or sodium mordenite, which on heating emits positive ions of an element in the compound, such as lithium or sodium.

Abstract: A fusion power generating device is disclosed having a relatively small and inexpensive core region which may be contained within an energy absorbing blanket region. The fusion power core region contains apparatus of the toroidal type for confining a high density plasma. The fusion power core is removable from the blanket region and may be disposed and/or recycled for subsequent use within the same blanket region. Thermonuclear ignition of the plasma is obtained by feeding neutral fusible gas into the plasma in a controlled manner such that charged particle heating produced by the fusion reaction is utilized to bootstrap the device to a region of high temperatures and high densities wherein charged particle heating is sufficient to overcome radiation and thermal conductivity losses. The high density plasma produces a large radiation and particle flux on the first wall of the plasma core region thereby necessitating replacement of the core from the blanket region from time to time.

Abstract: A neutral beamline generator with energy recovery of the full-energy ion ponent of the beam based on magnetic blocking of electrons is provided. Ions from a positive ion source are accelerated to the desired beam energy from a slightly positive potential level with respect to ground through a neutralizer cell by means of a negative acceleration voltage. The unneutralized full-energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer are retarded and slightly deflected and the electrons in the neutralizer are blocked by a magnetic field generated transverse to the beamline. An electron collector in the form of a coaxial cylinder surrounding and protruding axial a few centimeters beyond the neutralizer exit terminates the electrons which exit the neutralizer in an E x B drift to the collector when the collector is biased a few hundred volts positive with respect to the neutralizer voltage.

Abstract: The use of a coaxial plasma gun to produce a plasma ring which is directed into a magnetic field so as to form a field-reversed plasma confined in a magnetic mirror. Plasma thus produced may be used as a target for subsequent neutral beam injection or other similarly produced and projected plasma rings or for direct fusion energy release in a pulsed mode.

Abstract: A source for a high density electrically neutral beam of combined positive and negative particles suitable for bombardment and heating of a pellet of nuclear fusion material to fusion temperature. A source mounted in a housing with a spherical substrate and providing free elements at the surface thereof, an electron beam for ionizing the free elements to produce positive ions, first, second and third grids spaced from each other along beam paths, and electron emitters, all for providing positive ion beams and electron beams at the same velocity for mixing to provide an overall neutral electrical charge. A porous substrate for passing a gas under pressure to the surface for ionizing. A porous substrate charged with solids, and a heater for vaporizing the solids for passing to the surface for ionizing.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the in-situ determination of energy species yields of intense particle beams. The beam is directed onto a target surface of known composition, such that Rutherford backscattering of the beam occurs. The yield-energy characteristic response of the beam to backscattering from the target is analyzed using Rutherford backscattering techniques to determine the yields of energy species components of the beam.

Abstract: A method of controlling the reaction rates of the fuel atoms in a fusion reactor comprises the step of polarizing the nuclei of the fuel atoms in a particular direction relative to the plasma confining magnetic field. Fusion reaction rates can be increased or decreased, and the direction of emission of the reaction products can be controlled, depending on the choice of polarization direction.

Abstract: Method for producing fusion power wherein a neutral beam is injected into a toroidal bulk plasma to produce fusion reactions during the time permitted by the slowing down of the particles from the injected beam in the bulk plasma.