Enabling a Fusion-Prototypic Neutron Source through Plasma Window Technology

One of the greatest needs in the development of fusion technology is the ability to test neutron-induced damage to materials relevant to fusion sources. Currently, no sources can generate both the neutron flux and relevant energy spectrum necessary.

SHINE Technologies deuterium-tritium systems flux output is limited by the pressure differential between the low-pressure acceleration region and high-pressure gas region. We have investigated the use of a plasma window composed of a wall-stabilized vacuum arc generated within a specially designed aperture. The pressure observed in the gas region with SHINE’s current aperture size and constant accelerator-side pressure saw an increase of 3-4X. Increasing aperture size with constant high- and low-pressure regions resulted in a 2.5X increase in the area of the aperture.

Flux levels needed for a fusion-prototypic neutron source will require multiplexing of plasma-window enabled neutron sources with initial modelling efforts for a plasma window two-beam system indicating a 100 times increase in neutron flux.