On the use of intense ion beams for generating magnetized target fusion plasma

Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is a concept for creating a burning D-T plasma in a potentially inexpensive system. In essence, the concept involves ion heating on time scales short compared to ion transport times plus strong inhibition of thermal electron transport with a transverse magnetic field. The magnetic field is not intended to confine the ionic component. MTF is an intrinsically pulsed concept. A straightforward analysis of MTF indicates that D-T burning conditions can be achieved in compact plasma volumes with modest initial temperatures, through the use of pulsed power technology. In terms of size, density, temperature, and time scales, MTF occupies a position in phase space that is intermediate between steady MFE schemes and ICF. In terms of cost, it is one to two orders of magnitude less expensive than these. In this paper, the authors consider a possible method for creating the initial conditions adequate for the MTF concept through the use intense ion beam injection