Publications Details

Impedance characteristics of terawatt ion diodes

Mendel Jr., C.W.; Desjarlais, M.P.; Pointon, T.D.; Quintenz, J.P.R.; Seidel, D.B.; Slutz, S.A.

Light ion fusion research has developed ion diodes that have unique properties when compared to other ion diodes. These diodes involve relativistic electrons, ion beam stagnation pressures that compress the magnetic field to the order of 10 Tesla, and large space-charge and particle current effects throughout the accelerating region. These diodes have required new theories and models to account for effects that previously were unimportant. One of the most important effects of the magnetic field compression and large space-charge has been impedance collapse. The impedance collapse can lead to poor energy transfer efficiency, beam debunching, and rapid change of the beam focus. This paper discusses our current understanding of these effects, some of the methods we are using to ameliorate them, and the future directions our theory and modeling will take. 40 refs., 6 figs.