The conceptual design of a laser fusion power plant has been undertaken to exploit recent developments in target design. Advanced high-gain targets which have been developed make it possible to significantly relax the laser and optical system requirements. The power plant design features a reactor concept which utilizes a thick falling region of liquid lithium to protect the first-wall from the neutrons, x-rays, and charged particles that are produced in the thermonuclear microexplosion. The lithium waterfall has also been designed to be thick enough to significantly reduce the effects of 14 MeV neutrons and cyclical stresses on the blanket structure; …
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California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
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Livermore, California
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The conceptual design of a laser fusion power plant has been undertaken to exploit recent developments in target design. Advanced high-gain targets which have been developed make it possible to significantly relax the laser and optical system requirements. The power plant design features a reactor concept which utilizes a thick falling region of liquid lithium to protect the first-wall from the neutrons, x-rays, and charged particles that are produced in the thermonuclear microexplosion. The lithium waterfall has also been designed to be thick enough to significantly reduce the effects of 14 MeV neutrons and cyclical stresses on the blanket structure; thereby allowing us to consider smaller blanket structures which could last the lifetime of the plant. Fusion targets producing 700 MJ of thermonuclear energy are ignited by a 2 percent efficient, 1 MJ laser system at the rate of 1.4 Hz. Schemes for protecting the final focusing optics are described which are both compatible with this reactor system, and show promise of surviving a full year in order to minimize costly downtime.
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Maniscalco, J. A.; Meier, W. R. & Monsler, M. J.Design studies of a laser fusion power plant,
article,
October 7, 1977;
Livermore, California.
(https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1059345/:
accessed June 9, 2024),
University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu;
crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
