11

Spherical Spherical Microwave Microwave

ConfinementConfinement

for the preliminary exam November 15, 2007for the preliminary exam November 15, 2007

Bill RobinsonBill Robinson

22

HistoryHistory February 1995: Scientific American article February 1995: Scientific American article

on sonoluminescence and fusion got me on sonoluminescence and fusion got me started looking for exotic energy sourcesstarted looking for exotic energy sources

1996-99; investigated various cold fusion 1996-99; investigated various cold fusion ideas, usually shock waves through hydride ideas, usually shock waves through hydride aerosols; gave up for lots of reasonsaerosols; gave up for lots of reasons

July 2000; started investigating idea of July 2000; started investigating idea of helical antennas in a sphere—and thought helical antennas in a sphere—and thought of coming to NCSU for physicsof coming to NCSU for physics

2003; started interest in Ball Lightning (BL)2003; started interest in Ball Lightning (BL) 2004; began grad school in hopes of 2004; began grad school in hopes of

building a reactorbuilding a reactor

33

More HistoryMore History 2004-2006; went through large number of 2004-2006; went through large number of

possible designs with this geometry possible designs with this geometry (including Inertial Electrostatic (including Inertial Electrostatic Confinement [IEC]); ended up with Confinement [IEC]); ended up with magnetic SMC theory, BL on the side, magnetic SMC theory, BL on the side, formal papersformal papers

August 2006; started construction in 102-A August 2006; started construction in 102-A Research II with Dr. Aspnes as advisorResearch II with Dr. Aspnes as advisor

Spring 2007; obvious that magnets are Spring 2007; obvious that magnets are beyond my capacity in cost, manpower, beyond my capacity in cost, manpower, time; found flaws in theory; concentrating time; found flaws in theory; concentrating on BL and SMC with no magnetson BL and SMC with no magnets

September 2007; first plasmaSeptember 2007; first plasma October 13 2007; back to SMC as IEC ideaOctober 13 2007; back to SMC as IEC idea

44

SMC Reactor DesignSMC Reactor Design 20 helical antennas for 2.45 GHz 20 helical antennas for 2.45 GHz

circularly polarized RF, 1 circularly polarized RF, 1 wavelength long, 4 ½ turns; wavelength long, 4 ½ turns; aluminum sphere is groundplane aluminum sphere is groundplane at 4at 4thth zero of j zero of j11 = sin = sin kr/(kr)kr/(kr)22 – cos kr/kr (TE) – cos kr/kr (TE)

20 magnetrons (1kW each) fire 20 magnetrons (1kW each) fire from cap bank (6kV to 4kV), ~1/10 from cap bank (6kV to 4kV), ~1/10 secsec

Each hemisphere mounted on Each hemisphere mounted on independent framework on castersindependent framework on casters

2 windows 2” diameter2 windows 2” diameter Polar pipes (1 ¼”) for access, gas Polar pipes (1 ¼”) for access, gas

in/out, probes, sparker, fiberopticin/out, probes, sparker, fiberoptic Can accommodate either Can accommodate either

hemispherical magnets or neutron hemispherical magnets or neutron shields 1 ½ inches off of surface, shields 1 ½ inches off of surface, totally enclosing the spheretotally enclosing the sphere

55

A Tour of the Lab IA Tour of the Lab I

66

A Tour of the Lab IIA Tour of the Lab II

Back of controlpanel and uppercapacitor bank

From 5 magnetrons to coax Distributing power to the ‘trons

Baffles keep the‘trons from goingKERPOW

77

Video StillsVideo Stills

1) Sparker explodes aerosol 2) Magnetrons start breakdown

3) One of 3 frames, hot plasma 4) Winding down, helix cores last to cool

Early shot; 3 torr, sparker loaded with flour and graphite; 30 fps; sparkershould be delayed to have maximum during microwave discharge (is now!)

88

Abstract for Ball Lightning Abstract for Ball Lightning ResearchResearch

By experimenting with a variety of targets, gases, and By experimenting with a variety of targets, gases, and pressures, the objective is to create an analog to natural pressures, the objective is to create an analog to natural ball lightning (BL), discover optimal conditions more ball lightning (BL), discover optimal conditions more favorable than atmospheric, and investigate the anomalyfavorable than atmospheric, and investigate the anomaly

The spherical aluminum chamber confines the gas and The spherical aluminum chamber confines the gas and aerosol at a wide range of pressuresaerosol at a wide range of pressures

A strong pulse of circularly polarized microwaves from all A strong pulse of circularly polarized microwaves from all directions hits vaporized organic materialdirections hits vaporized organic material

As natural BL emits microwaves, the BL should resonate in As natural BL emits microwaves, the BL should resonate in the chamber and move to the centerthe chamber and move to the center

Any microwaves emitted can be gathered by the antennas Any microwaves emitted can be gathered by the antennas and the power rectified to DC with high efficiencyand the power rectified to DC with high efficiency

A wide range of measurements and analysis would be A wide range of measurements and analysis would be possible for the first time, instead of just field reports, possible for the first time, instead of just field reports, leading to theory of BL and reactor designleading to theory of BL and reactor design

99

Abstract for SMC-IEC ResearchAbstract for SMC-IEC Research Using the same geometry as for BL, Using the same geometry as for BL,

with addition of bias rings at the with addition of bias rings at the antenna bases, waves of electrons antenna bases, waves of electrons flow into the center and cause a flow into the center and cause a virtual cathode at the center, to virtual cathode at the center, to which ions flowwhich ions flow

As long as electrons are turned back As long as electrons are turned back before collision with the antennas, before collision with the antennas, the result is gridless IEC with the the result is gridless IEC with the potential for neutron production and potential for neutron production and possibly fusion powerpossibly fusion power

1010

Ball LightningBall Lightning We KNOW it does exist, unlike other exotic We KNOW it does exist, unlike other exotic

schemes. Ideal power source when harnessedschemes. Ideal power source when harnessed Extreme BL (EBL) has unmatched energy Extreme BL (EBL) has unmatched energy

density (10density (1099 J/m J/m33), beyond any chemistry from ), beyond any chemistry from energy/molecule; no neutrons or gammasenergy/molecule; no neutrons or gammas

EBL emits high levels of microwaves which EBL emits high levels of microwaves which are easily rectified (90+% efficiency) to DC are easily rectified (90+% efficiency) to DC

Hardly likely that Nature gives optimum Hardly likely that Nature gives optimum conditions, but conditions, but doesdoes give give possiblepossible conditions conditions

Can be made with common materials. Fuel Can be made with common materials. Fuel likely to be abundant; best fuel unknownlikely to be abundant; best fuel unknown

Key is to take field observations at face value Key is to take field observations at face value when possible without modification to fit when possible without modification to fit preconceptionspreconceptions

1111

Mysteries of BL: confinementMysteries of BL: confinement Typical lifetime is 10 sec (range 1 to 150 sec typically) Typical lifetime is 10 sec (range 1 to 150 sec typically)

instead of microseconds to cool, recombineinstead of microseconds to cool, recombine Neutral buoyancy; tends to hover over ground and can Neutral buoyancy; tends to hover over ground and can

move upwind instead of risingmove upwind instead of rising Can’t have separation of charges sustained in Can’t have separation of charges sustained in

conductor, thus no conductor, thus no EE BB requires current which would need superconducting requires current which would need superconducting

loop; plasmas have finite resistance. Density is too high loop; plasmas have finite resistance. Density is too high for for BB confinement due to high collision rate >> confinement due to high collision rate >> gyrofrequency (density is atmospheric).gyrofrequency (density is atmospheric).

NeutralsNeutrals may be confined since no cooling from may be confined since no cooling from convection, and “pop” on collapse evidence for internal convection, and “pop” on collapse evidence for internal pressure >> partial pressure of ionized fraction. No pressure >> partial pressure of ionized fraction. No known mechanism for that. Would be ~15 atm!known mechanism for that. Would be ~15 atm!

If neutrals not confined, then plasmoid should cool and If neutrals not confined, then plasmoid should cool and collapse in < 1 ms; would help explain BL moving collapse in < 1 ms; would help explain BL moving upwind (but leaves most of the mystery)upwind (but leaves most of the mystery)

1212

More Mysteries of BLMore Mysteries of BL Power output of BL not associated with cooling or Power output of BL not associated with cooling or

reduction in sizereduction in size Energy flows out continuously from visible light Energy flows out continuously from visible light

(recombination), RF (static recorded), sometimes (recombination), RF (static recorded), sometimes heatheat

Energy out on explosion can include microwaves; Energy out on explosion can include microwaves; unknown origin. Evidence from cooked meat, hot unknown origin. Evidence from cooked meat, hot waterwater

Total energy can be >> initial input especially Total energy can be >> initial input especially when not generated by linear lightning, and when not generated by linear lightning, and energy is generated energy is generated during lifetime of BL; during lifetime of BL; evidence of anomalous sustaining reactionevidence of anomalous sustaining reaction

Most powerful recorded BL formed underwater off Most powerful recorded BL formed underwater off coast of Japancoast of Japan

1313

Using the reactor for BLUsing the reactor for BL Magnetron cap bank charged mostly by an ovenMagnetron cap bank charged mostly by an oven Sparker (2kV) throws hot organic material into centerSparker (2kV) throws hot organic material into center Microwaves hit and react with hot aerosol and fill gas for 50 Microwaves hit and react with hot aerosol and fill gas for 50

to 130 ms as capacitor bank goes from 6000 to 4000 V, to 130 ms as capacitor bank goes from 6000 to 4000 V, ~1000 J energy~1000 J energy

Current equipment only goes down to 3 torr and cannot Current equipment only goes down to 3 torr and cannot withstand positive internal pressure required to explore full withstand positive internal pressure required to explore full range of conditionsrange of conditions

After upgrade with flange, new antenna feedthroughs, and After upgrade with flange, new antenna feedthroughs, and turbo pump, can do much lower pressures and over turbo pump, can do much lower pressures and over atmosphericatmospheric

May use baffles, especially for higher pressures; requires May use baffles, especially for higher pressures; requires seed plasma to absorb microwaves, otherwise can damage seed plasma to absorb microwaves, otherwise can damage magnetrons; no problem now at 3 torr with baffles. magnetrons; no problem now at 3 torr with baffles. Mysterious malfunction at 1 atmMysterious malfunction at 1 atm

Recently added Teflon shields at base of antennas to avoid Recently added Teflon shields at base of antennas to avoid breakdown, damagebreakdown, damage

If successful there is potential for explosive dissolutionIf successful there is potential for explosive dissolution For low pressures can use biasing rings at antenna bases (-6 For low pressures can use biasing rings at antenna bases (-6

kV to start with, described in next section)kV to start with, described in next section)

1414

How to make BL; a Best GuessHow to make BL; a Best Guess Take field evidence seriously; smell, aerosol, Take field evidence seriously; smell, aerosol,

microwave damage, environment where formedmicrowave damage, environment where formed Smell indicates rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) and Smell indicates rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) and

ozone. Oozone. O33 ubiquitous with sparks so may not be ubiquitous with sparks so may not be useful indicatoruseful indicator

Solids required for aerosol formation; only solids Solids required for aerosol formation; only solids in air are biological (birds, bats, bugs), so tests in air are biological (birds, bats, bugs), so tests will use organic fuel for sparkerwill use organic fuel for sparker

Closest atmospheric lab plasmas to BL are Closest atmospheric lab plasmas to BL are microwave discharges; must measure plasmoid microwave discharges; must measure plasmoid duration after microwave power input stopsduration after microwave power input stops

If BL puts out microwaves, makes sense to put in If BL puts out microwaves, makes sense to put in a potentially resonant chamber where it will tend a potentially resonant chamber where it will tend towards the centertowards the center

Should get it started with pulse of extreme Should get it started with pulse of extreme conditionsconditions

1515

How This Is New for BL How This Is New for BL SynthesisSynthesis

Since microwaves come out of BL, makes sense Since microwaves come out of BL, makes sense to try making BL with a pulse of microwavesto try making BL with a pulse of microwaves

Can expect BL to resonate in a spherical metal Can expect BL to resonate in a spherical metal shell and tend to float in center; not tried beforeshell and tend to float in center; not tried before

Circularly polarized RF keeps constant Circularly polarized RF keeps constant magnitude fields; not tried beforemagnitude fields; not tried before

Helical antennas in both rotations will receive all Helical antennas in both rotations will receive all radiation efficiently regardless of directionradiation efficiently regardless of direction

Chamber controls gas pressure and species, Chamber controls gas pressure and species, protects from explosions and BL microwavesprotects from explosions and BL microwaves

Sparker allows controlled introduction of aerosolSparker allows controlled introduction of aerosol

1616

BL DiagnosticsBL Diagnostics Easy one is most important; does it last after power Easy one is most important; does it last after power

cuts off? Must have accurate measure of when cuts off? Must have accurate measure of when microwave input stopsmicrowave input stops

Currently have video at 30 fps; would like higher Currently have video at 30 fps; would like higher speeds, shielded from EMFspeeds, shielded from EMF

Will set up computer for data acquisitionWill set up computer for data acquisition By using coax relay can divert antenna for outgoing By using coax relay can divert antenna for outgoing

power after magnetrons stop, rectify and measure DC power after magnetrons stop, rectify and measure DC voltage to find microwave output. More ideal setup voltage to find microwave output. More ideal setup would have hybrid couplers but too expensive nowwould have hybrid couplers but too expensive now

Can insert emissive probe along polar axis to find Can insert emissive probe along polar axis to find plasma potential regardless of electron drift [1]plasma potential regardless of electron drift [1]

Spectrometer probably via fiberoptic; need to borrow Spectrometer probably via fiberoptic; need to borrow one! (From NE?)one! (From NE?)

Need good leak testing to improve vacuumNeed good leak testing to improve vacuum Gas analysis before and after pulse to detect reactants Gas analysis before and after pulse to detect reactants

and products; gear available in laband products; gear available in lab

1717

HOWEVER!HOWEVER! Making BL in this reactor is a long shotMaking BL in this reactor is a long shot Next;Next; an explanation of a way of using this same an explanation of a way of using this same

geometry with minor changes at low pressures for geometry with minor changes at low pressures for Electron Accelerated Inertial Electrostatic Electron Accelerated Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (EXL IEC) without grids for Confinement (EXL IEC) without grids for conventional fusion reactions (D-D, D-T, proton-Bconventional fusion reactions (D-D, D-T, proton-B1111))

Unlike BL, the physics is known; critical point is to Unlike BL, the physics is known; critical point is to reverse electrons by near-field RF and inward-reverse electrons by near-field RF and inward-flowing electron waves before they reach the flowing electron waves before they reach the antennas, instead of requiring transit through gridsantennas, instead of requiring transit through grids

If this is correct, the existing hardware could If this is correct, the existing hardware could produce large numbers of neutrons. The concept produce large numbers of neutrons. The concept might be developed for power generation in larger might be developed for power generation in larger and more efficient reactorsand more efficient reactors

1818

Inertial Electrostatic Inertial Electrostatic ConfinementConfinement

(Ref. 2)

1919

IEC single potential well IEC single potential well [3][3]

Fig. 2: Single potential well structure. The minimum normalized potential, Ymin, coincides with the core potential, Ycore = Y(r = 0). The fractional well depth, FWD is defined as FWD = 1-Ymin.

2020

IEC double potential well IEC double potential well [3][3]

Fig. 3: Double potential well structure. The double well depth (DWD) is Ypeak – Ymin. Here, Ypeak coincides with Ycore.

2121

Existing IECExisting IEC Large increase of plasma density in potential wells, fosters Large increase of plasma density in potential wells, fosters

high rate of reaction there; BUT net reaction rate ~ 1/pressurehigh rate of reaction there; BUT net reaction rate ~ 1/pressure IEC with grids cannot (yet) go above Q~10IEC with grids cannot (yet) go above Q~10-5-5

Big advantages: no Big advantages: no BB fields, easy high T, simple geometry, fields, easy high T, simple geometry, some fusion does occur at center and in mantle (zone some fusion does occur at center and in mantle (zone between grids)between grids)

High T makes advanced fuels tempting but elusive so farHigh T makes advanced fuels tempting but elusive so far IEC operates at too low density for power reactor (need ~10IEC operates at too low density for power reactor (need ~102121

mm-3 -3 in sizable volume) [5]in sizable volume) [5] IEC is the cheapest way to fusion by a very large factor; IEC is the cheapest way to fusion by a very large factor;

reactors are mostly vacuum, thus low mass. reactors are mostly vacuum, thus low mass. Existing grid reactor can be a practical, portable, simple Existing grid reactor can be a practical, portable, simple

neutron source (like the STAR reactor), but not efficient neutron source (like the STAR reactor), but not efficient enough yet for sub-critical fission or large-scale enough yet for sub-critical fission or large-scale transmutation. Maximum so far; 2x10transmutation. Maximum so far; 2x101010 neutrons/sec by neutrons/sec by Hirsch in the ’60s [6] and Nebel in late ’90sHirsch in the ’60s [6] and Nebel in late ’90s

Other attempts for either gridless IEC (Bussard) or to protect Other attempts for either gridless IEC (Bussard) or to protect grids magnetically from collision have failedgrids magnetically from collision have failed

2222

Some recent experimentsSome recent experiments

Richard Nebel’s Los AlamosTriple-gridded POPS IEC1010 n/s, $500 k, 25 kW [4]

Hitachi IEC, Japan, 7 x 107 n/s

2323

Unavoidable Loss Problems in grid IECUnavoidable Loss Problems in grid IEC Collisions with grids; PCollisions with grids; Pgridloss/P/Pfusion > 3000; particle > 3000; particle

paths MUST cross grids to be confined [5]paths MUST cross grids to be confined [5] Ion upscatter and energetic tail loss time ~10Ion upscatter and energetic tail loss time ~10-3-3 fusion fusion

raterate Ion neutral capture and escape from potential wellIon neutral capture and escape from potential well Fusion reaction products escape, do not heat plasma Fusion reaction products escape, do not heat plasma

(direct energy conversion probably won’t work) [8](direct energy conversion probably won’t work) [8] Ion collisions increase angular momentum and throw Ion collisions increase angular momentum and throw

ions out of dense center region (may not be so bad, ions out of dense center region (may not be so bad, double wells can work)double wells can work)

No way to keep plasma non-thermal; collision x-No way to keep plasma non-thermal; collision x-section >> fusion x-section by factor of at least 10section >> fusion x-section by factor of at least 1055

Bremsstrahlung same or worse as other reactors, makes advanced non-neutronic fuels probablyadvanced non-neutronic fuels probably

impractical (fuel touted as ideal for IEC) Both ion and electron loss times << fusion timeBoth ion and electron loss times << fusion time

2424

Critical IEC Scaling Problem: Critical IEC Scaling Problem: 1/n1/n

As density drops, longer mean free path, As density drops, longer mean free path, more acceleration between grids, higher more acceleration between grids, higher energy, increased <energy, increased <vv>, fewer ion-neutral >, fewer ion-neutral collisions, tighter focus at center, more collisions, tighter focus at center, more head-on collisions. [9]head-on collisions. [9]

Thus fusion reactions scale as 1/n instead Thus fusion reactions scale as 1/n instead of nof n22. IEC reactors operate at very high . IEC reactors operate at very high vacuum << fusion reactor range (10vacuum << fusion reactor range (102121))

Might not be true of SMC since mfp of Might not be true of SMC since mfp of runaway electrons are long due to runaway electrons are long due to velocity; acceleration from microwaves not velocity; acceleration from microwaves not grids; less focus anywaygrids; less focus anyway

2525

Critical IEC scaling problem; Power ~ Critical IEC scaling problem; Power ~ 1/1/aa

aa = radius of spherical active zone, = radius of spherical active zone, qq = total = total charge, charge, aa = potential at = potential at r r = = a, na, nee and and nnii are average are average densities in the active zone, densities in the active zone, P P = power from fusion= power from fusion

For grid IECFor grid IEC, q, q = | = |nnee – n – nii| ~ | ~ nnii aa~ q/a ~ n~ q/a ~ nii a a33/a/a22 = n = nii a a22

Since Since aa is within a small range, is within a small range, nnii ~ 1/a ~ 1/a22

P ~ nP ~ nii 22 *Volume, so *Volume, so P ~ 1/aP ~ 1/a Probably NOT true for SMC since source of ions, Probably NOT true for SMC since source of ions,

electrons, and charge balance is not the same as electrons, and charge balance is not the same as for grids; for grids; q q is not ~ is not ~ nnii

Proof of this is the use of ion or electron beams to Proof of this is the use of ion or electron beams to alter the charge/density relationship in grid IEC to alter the charge/density relationship in grid IEC to increase increase PP

Result is IEC devices are very small (a few inches) Result is IEC devices are very small (a few inches) and cannot scale up while SMC probably canand cannot scale up while SMC probably can

2626

Antennas as eAntennas as e-- accelerators accelerators Antennas are insulated with ceramic and do not short out to Antennas are insulated with ceramic and do not short out to

plasmaplasma Will apply -6 kV (or more) bias to base rings, 4” diameter, 1” Will apply -6 kV (or more) bias to base rings, 4” diameter, 1”

from wall. Next reactor could put (+) bias on antennasfrom wall. Next reactor could put (+) bias on antennas Microwaves cause breakdown starting in core, rapidly saturates Microwaves cause breakdown starting in core, rapidly saturates

to critical density (opaque plasma)to critical density (opaque plasma) Electron cascade bunches in waves and flows toward center; Electron cascade bunches in waves and flows toward center;

same process turns back electrons from center (thermalized same process turns back electrons from center (thermalized after crossing reactor core)after crossing reactor core)

Uncoordinated antenna phases now; may be better in phase for Uncoordinated antenna phases now; may be better in phase for inwards-moving spherical wavesinwards-moving spherical waves

Existing rig; ~5 x10Existing rig; ~5 x1088 e/cycle at ~ e/cycle at ~25 keV25 keV (~0.2 amp) assuming (~0.2 amp) assuming delivering 5 kW to waves from microwaves (efficiency of 0.25)delivering 5 kW to waves from microwaves (efficiency of 0.25)

Bias on base rings limited to no more than electron wave Bias on base rings limited to no more than electron wave energy ~ virtual cathode potential; 10 kV for D-T reactor, 50 kV energy ~ virtual cathode potential; 10 kV for D-T reactor, 50 kV for D-Dfor D-D

Ions do not bunch in waves, follow eIons do not bunch in waves, follow e-- inwards; q inwards; qii(t)= <-q(t)= <-qee(t-(t-)>)> Inner charge during microwave increase; Inner charge during microwave increase;

qqtotaltotal = q = qii - q - qee = - = - dqdqee/dt> (q/dt> (qee = # inner electrons) = # inner electrons) For each 5 microseconds ion delay, can create 1 kV potential if For each 5 microseconds ion delay, can create 1 kV potential if

low electron losslow electron loss

2727

Periodically Oscillating Plasma Sphere Periodically Oscillating Plasma Sphere (POPS)(POPS)

(a) Temporal evolution of plasma potential at the center of thevirtual cathode with and without rf modulation. (b) Delay in the virtual cathode destruction due to rf modulation as a function of modulation frequency. (Reproduced from Ref. 4.) This is for just a few hundred volts and 10-6 torr

Uses RF modulation of grids and emitters to oscillate the potential well in resonance with the orbital frequency of the ions to extend life of virtual cathode

2828

POPS & SMC?POPS & SMC? POPS in grid IEC cannot scale to a reactor since POPS in grid IEC cannot scale to a reactor since

With With rrvcvc = virtual cathode radius, = virtual cathode radius, oo = potential well depth; note = potential well depth; note change in radius and compression ratio change in radius and compression ratio

Resonant frequency:Resonant frequency:

At fusion reactor conditions, 10-30 MHz (D-D); milder plasmas down At fusion reactor conditions, 10-30 MHz (D-D); milder plasmas down to 1 MHzto 1 MHz

Works by throwing a few ions out of potential well. Might use by RF Works by throwing a few ions out of potential well. Might use by RF imposed on bias grid or injected beams of e- or ionsimposed on bias grid or injected beams of e- or ions

Grid IEC needs addition of electrons at center to reduce ion space Grid IEC needs addition of electrons at center to reduce ion space charge and allow compression, may also in SMCcharge and allow compression, may also in SMC

2 2 2max min

2

3( / ) ( / )

2i e o

fusion fusionVC

n n r rP v

e r

2

2 oPOPS

VC i

e

r m

2929

Magnetic SMC: a possible future Magnetic SMC: a possible future

additionaddition Two hemispherical coils, Two hemispherical coils,

counter-rotatingcounter-rotating Uses cylindrical cusp to make Uses cylindrical cusp to make

electron cyclotron resonance electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) on spheroidal (ECR) on spheroidal BB isosurface at 875 gaussisosurface at 875 gauss

Could help make plasma Could help make plasma transparent outside plasmoidtransparent outside plasmoid

Would heat electrons at ECR Would heat electrons at ECR surface efficiently and surface efficiently and selectivelyselectively

reactor is constructed to reactor is constructed to accommodate the coilsaccommodate the coils

Expensive and uses a lot of Expensive and uses a lot of power if not superconductingpower if not superconducting

Could funnel reaction Could funnel reaction products out poles and products out poles and equator for direct energy equator for direct energy conversionconversion

Arrows are B field; center circle is plasmoid surface; outer circle is magnet coil

3030

Magnetic SMCMagnetic SMC

Coil windings in amp-turns for Coil windings in amp-turns for test reactor, one hemisphere test reactor, one hemisphere (other hemisphere is negative (other hemisphere is negative of this)of this)

- 0 . 4 - 0 . 2 0 0 . 2 0 . 4

- 0 . 3

- 0 . 2

- 0 . 1

0

0 . 1

0 . 2

0 . 3

Tickmarks are meters; contours are B field magnitudes; dark circle is 875gauss (ECR); outer circle is magnet; next circle in is pressure wall; dottedcircle is inner end of antennas

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0c o i l s

5 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0

1 5 0 0 0

2 0 0 0 0

2 5 0 0 0

3 0 0 0 0

A m p t u r n s

3131

Current and Future ResearchCurrent and Future Research THEORY;THEORY; Ion heating; magnetrons are a few MHz out of Ion heating; magnetrons are a few MHz out of

phase, causes Landau damping [8]phase, causes Landau damping [8] Shock dynamics, if they apply, with antennas in phase or Shock dynamics, if they apply, with antennas in phase or

random (current setup is random); compression, heatingrandom (current setup is random); compression, heating Confinement mechanism for electrons in SMC-IEC (no BL Confinement mechanism for electrons in SMC-IEC (no BL

theory yet)theory yet) HARDWARE;HARDWARE; Diagnostic tools are first priority; computer Diagnostic tools are first priority; computer

DAQ, plasma probes, spectrometer, gas analysis, and DAQ, plasma probes, spectrometer, gas analysis, and detectors for x-rays, gammas, neutrons, alphasdetectors for x-rays, gammas, neutrons, alphas

Upgrade of vacuum system for lower pressures and Upgrade of vacuum system for lower pressures and secure use of Hsecure use of H22S for BL, or DS for BL, or D22 and boranes for SMC and boranes for SMC

Installation of bias rings at antenna bases, -6 kV for nowInstallation of bias rings at antenna bases, -6 kV for now GOALS;GOALS; BL creation then reactor design, BL creation then reactor design, oror SMC to scale SMC to scale

up for D-D or D-T reactor, sub-critical fission, etc.up for D-D or D-T reactor, sub-critical fission, etc. FUNDING! And a way to continue doing this after FUNDING! And a way to continue doing this after

graduation—here if possible; post-doc?graduation—here if possible; post-doc?

3232

ReferencesReferences

1) A. Siebenforcher, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 67(3), March 19961) A. Siebenforcher, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 67(3), March 1996 2) Tom Ligon, Infinite Energy Issue 30, 20002) Tom Ligon, Infinite Energy Issue 30, 2000 3) IEC thesis by Ryan Meyer, U. of Missouri-Columbia December 20073) IEC thesis by Ryan Meyer, U. of Missouri-Columbia December 2007 4) J. Park, R.A. Nebel, S. Stange, Phys. Plasmas 12, 056315 (2005)4) J. Park, R.A. Nebel, S. Stange, Phys. Plasmas 12, 056315 (2005) 5) ”A general critique of intertial-electrostatic confinement fusion 5) ”A general critique of intertial-electrostatic confinement fusion

systems”, Todd Rider, Phys. Plasmas 2 (6), June 1995systems”, Todd Rider, Phys. Plasmas 2 (6), June 1995 6) R. L. Hirsch, J. Appl. Physics 38, 4522 (1967)6) R. L. Hirsch, J. Appl. Physics 38, 4522 (1967) 7) M. Rosenbluth, F. Hinton, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 36 (1994) 7) M. Rosenbluth, F. Hinton, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 36 (1994)

1255-12681255-1268 8) F. Chen, 8) F. Chen, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion,Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 1984 1984 9) “9) “Development of a High Fluence Neutron Source for Nondestructive

Characterization of Nuclear Waste”, M. Pickrell, LANL Technical Report (1999)

M. Bourham, class notesM. Bourham, class notes Many BL articles in Nature over the last 80 yearsMany BL articles in Nature over the last 80 years Personal interviews with BL witnesses and their relatives (including Dr. Personal interviews with BL witnesses and their relatives (including Dr.

Hallen)Hallen)www.billrobinsonmusic.comwww.billrobinsonmusic.com/Physics/Physics for pictures, papers, latest news for pictures, papers, latest news