Study of antiprotons as drivers in inertial confinement fusion by fast ignition method

Abstract

Inertial confinement fusion is a promising approach to achieve controlled nuclear fusion for clean and abundant energy production. One of the key challenges in Inertial confinement fusion is achieving efficient ignition of the fusion fuel. Fast ignition offers a potential solution to this challenge by using an ultra-high intensity laser or a charged particle beam to directly ignite a pre-compressed fusion fuel. In this manuscript, we propose an approach for fast ignition in ICF, utilizing an antiproton beam to drive ignition in a deuteron-tritium fuel with a uranium-238 seed. The use of antiproton beams in Inertial confinement fusion offers unique advantages, including their ability to deposit energy deeply into the fuel, leading to enhanced energy coupling and heating. The addition of uranium-238 as a seed material in the fuel can further improve ignition conditions by enhancing energy deposition and facilitating ignition reactions. We present detailed simulations and analyses to demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of this approach. We investigate the effects of antiproton beam parameters, such as energy, intensity, and pulse duration, on ignition conditions, as well as the impact of uranium-238 seed concentration and distribution in the fuel. Our results show that fast ignition driven by an antiproton beam in DT with uranium-238 seed has the potential to significantly improve ignition performance in Inertial confinement fusion, leading to enhanced energy output and higher gain. The use of antiproton beams allows for efficient energy deposition and heating of the fuel, while the inclusion of uranium-238 seed promotes ignition reactions and improves ignition conditions. This concept presents a promising pathway towards achieving practical and efficient ignition in Inertial confinement fusion and could pave the way for next-generation fusion power plants.