Reactor and Laser Coupling

Abstract

This chapter discusses the design of how nuclear reactors are coupled to lasers. The design is complex in that there are many ways to interface the reactor, which serves as a neutron source, to the laser medium. There are issues with the fuel interface to the laser that includes the phase, the type of fuel, how the fuel is put into proximity to the laser medium and the potential chemical interactions of the fuel with the laser medium. The coupling of the optics to the laser medium is also an important consideration and how radiation damage may impact the optical components, structural materials and subsystems. There are also cooling and control issues as well.