Pellet fusion gain calculations modified by electric double layers and by spin polarized nuclei

Abstract

All preceding hydrodynamic computations of plasmas need correction if the thermal conductivity is used because electronic thermal conductivity is decreased on plasma inhomogeneities due to electrostatic double layers. In the worst case, ionic conductivity remains. We compare this with a possible electronic conductivity by the fast tail of the energy distribution. Using the volume ignition for fusion gain computations, we study the increase of gain by spin-polarization of nuclei for the DT reaction especially in nonlinear ranges. Gain can increase by a factor of 3-1.

A new hydrodynamic analysis of double layers

“…This inhibition was detected indirectly from laser fusion experiments when the interior of the compressed pellet did not reach the temperatures expected from electronic thermal conduction (Cicchitelli et al, 1984), expressed by a reduction factor f. This can be understood simply from Figure 11 where a double layer is produced between a hot laser-irradiated corona and the cold pellet interior.…”