Advertisement

Journal of Fusion Energy

, Volume 30, Issue 5, pp 367–376 | Cite as

Theory and Experimental Program for p-B11 Fusion with the Dense Plasma Focus

  • Eric J. Lerner
  • S. Krupakar Murali
  • A. Haboub
Original Research
First Online:

Abstract

Lawrenceville Plasma Physics Inc. has initiated a 2-year-long experimental project to test the scientific feasibility of achieving controlled fusion using the dense plasma focus (DPF) device with hydrogen-boron (p-B11) fuel. The goals of the experiment are: first, to confirm the achievement of high ion and electron energies observed in previous experiments from 2001; second, to greatly increase the efficiency of energy transfer into the plasmoid where the fusion reactions take place; third, to achieve the high magnetic fields (>1 GG) needed for the quantum magnetic field effect, which will reduce cooling of the plasma by X-ray emission; and finally, to use p-B11 fuel to demonstrate net energy gain. The experiments are being conducted with a newly constructed dense plasma focus in Middlesex, NJ which is expected to generate peak currents in excess of 2 MA. Some preliminary results are reported.

Keywords

Dense plasma focus Quantum magnetic field effect Nuclear fusion Aneutronic Fusion 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Notes

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank John Thompson for his major contributions to the design and construction of FF-1.

References

  1. 1.
    C.L. Leakeas, Parameteric studies of dense plasma focus for engineering space propulsion (P1-TR-91–3014, Phillips Laboratory, AFSC, USA, 1991)Google Scholar
  2. 2.
    C.C. Choi, Engineering considerations for the self-energizing MPD-type fusion plasma thruster (PL-TR-91-3087, Phillips Laboratory, AFSC, USA, 1992)Google Scholar
  3. 3.
    G.H. Miley et al., Use of a plasma focus device for space propulsion, Advanced SEI Technologies Conference (AIAA-91-3617, 1991)Google Scholar
  4. 4.
    W.H. Bostick et al., Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 251, 2 (1975)ADSGoogle Scholar
  5. 5.
    C.R. Haas et al., Dynamics of microstructures, in Proceedings of 3rd International Workshop on Plasma Focus (1984), p. 87Google Scholar
  6. 6.
    G. Herziger et al., Radiation and particle emission from a 1.6 kJ plasma focus, in Proceedings of International Conference on Plasma Physics, July 2–3, 1984 (Ecole polytechnique federal de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1984), p. 31Google Scholar
  7. 7.
    H. Schmidt et al., Ion and neutron emission of the Poseidon plasma focus, in Proceedings of 3rd International Workshop on Plasma Focus (1984), pp. 63–66Google Scholar
  8. 8.
    K.N. Koshelev et al., J. Phys. D 21, 1827 (1988)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  9. 9.
    W. Bostick, V. Nardi, W. Pryor, J. Plasma. Phys. 8, 7 (1973)Google Scholar
  10. 10.
    M. Sadowski et al., Phys. Lett. 105 A, 117 (1984)Google Scholar
  11. 11.
    L. Bertalot et al., Experiments on plasma focus dynamics, neutron production and ion emission,in IAEA Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion, International Conference, Brussels, July 1–10, 1980 (IAEA, Vienna, 1980), p. 177Google Scholar
  12. 12.
    J.S. Brzosko et al., Phys. Lett. A 192, 250 (1994)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. 13.
    J.S. Brzosko et al., Phys. Plasmas 2, 1259 (1995)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  14. 14.
    G.R. Neil, R.S. Post, Plasma Phys. 14, 425 (1988)Google Scholar
  15. 15.
    I. Volobuev et al., Sov. J., Plasma Phys. 14, 401 (1988)Google Scholar
  16. 16.
    K. Hirano et al., Plasma dynamics and charged particle emission in the plasma focus, in Proceedings of 11th Europe Conference Controlled Fusion and Plasma Physics, Aachen, Sept. 5–9, 1983 1 (European Physics Society, Geneva, 1983), p. 551Google Scholar
  17. 17.
    L. Jakubowski, M. Sadowski, J. Zebrowksi, Nucl. Fusion 41, 755 (2001)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. 18.
    L. Bertalot et al., Phys. Lett A 79, 389 (1980)Google Scholar
  19. 19.
    V. Nardi, et al., Phys. Rev. A22, 2211 (1984)Google Scholar
  20. 20.
    E.J. Lerner, Laser Particle Beams 4(2), 193 (1986)Google Scholar
  21. 21.
    E.J. Lerner, A.L Peratt, Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract 959962 (1995)Google Scholar
  22. 22.
    E.J. Lerner, in Current Trends in International Fusion Research—Proceedings of the Fifth Symposium, ed. by E. Panarella, NRC (Research Press, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Canada, 2007)Google Scholar
  23. 23.
    Method and apparatus for producing X-rays, ion beams and nuclear fusion energy US Patent # 7,482,607Google Scholar
  24. 24.
    E.J. Lerner, R.E. Terry, in Current Trends in International Fusion Research—Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium, (National Research Council of Canada, 2009) pp. 11–22Google Scholar
  25. 25.
    J.R. McNally, Nucl. Fusion 15, 344 (1975)Google Scholar
  26. 26.
    G.S. Miller, E.E. Salpeter, I. Wasserman, ApJ 314, 215 (1987)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  27. 27.
    H. Hora, Plasmas at High Temperature and Density. Section 2.6 (Springer, Heidelberg, 1991)Google Scholar
  28. 28.
    S. Lee, App. Phys. Lett. 92, 021503 (2008)Google Scholar
  29. 29.
    D.R. Slaughter, W.L. Pickles, Nucl Instrum Methods 160, 87–92 (1979)ADSCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  30. 30.
    V.A. Gribkov et al., Trudy FIAN 127:32 (in Russian) (1980)Google Scholar
  31. 31.
    M. Milanese, J. Pouzo, Small Plasma Physics Experiments, (World Scientific Publishing, London, 1988), p. 66Google Scholar
  32. 32.
    S.P. Tsybenko, R. Miklaszewski, NUKLEONIKA 45, 163 (2000)Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • Eric J. Lerner
    • 1
  • S. Krupakar Murali
    • 1
  • A. Haboub
    • 1
  1. 1.Lawrenceville Plasma Physics Inc.MiddlesexUSA

Personalised recommendations

Cite article

Buy options