An alternative approach to solving thermonuclear synthesis problem

[Valery Ioffe]

Thermonuclear synthesis can be organized by simpler means.

 

An idea of inertial thermonuclear synthesis consists in accumulation of energy and subsequent almost instantaneous transformation of that energy into heat within a small milligram –scale dt-capsule (a mixture of deuterium and tritium in solid freezed state).

One can, however, go another way by accumulating the kinetic energy in dt-capsule itself by accelerating it. The velocities needed are of the order of one million meters per second, corresponding to optimal temperature of the thermonuclear reaction ~ 10-20 keV, if that energy can be transformed into heat by striking the target within the reactor or by collision with a similar oncoming capsule. It is important to note that in this case an opportunity appears to deliver the fuel into reactor still hot after previous micro-blow. Obviously, the ignition of thermonuclear reaction can be achieved by bombardment of dt-target by solid body.

The only problem to be solved is how one can accomplish the required acceleration of micro-particles. How one can construct the required accelerating machines of acceptable size and relatively cheep? It can be shown that this is technically quite possible, and required accelerators with a length of the order of 2000 m can be constructed using known superconducting materials.

Details can be found on the site New semiconductor devices.

 

Valery Ioffe, Novosibirsk