The high-density Z-pinch as a pulsed fusion neutron source for fusion nuclear technology and materials testing

Abstract

The dense Z-pinch (DZP) is one of the earliest and simplest plasma heating and confinement schemes. Recent experimental advances based on plasma initiation from hair-like (10s μm in radius) solid hydrogen filaments have so far not encountered the usually devastating MHD instabilities that plagued early DZP experimenters. These encouraging results along with the debut of a number of proof-of principle, high-current (1–2 MA in 10–100 ns) experiments have prompted consideration of the DZP as a pulsed source of DT fusion neutrons of sufficient strength (S _N ⩾ 10¹⁹ n/s) to provide uncollided neutron fluxes in excess ofI _w = 5–10 MW/m² over test volumes of 10–30 liters or greater. While this neutron source would be pulsed (100s ns pulse widths, 10–100 Hz pulse rate), giving flux time compressions in the range 10⁵–10⁶, its simplicity, near-term feasibility, low cost, high-Q operation, and relevance to fusion systems thatmay provide a pulsed commercial end-product, e.g., inertial confinement or the DZP itself, together create the impetus for preliminary consideration as a neutron source for fusion nuclear technology and materials testings. The results of a preliminary parametric systems study (focusing primarily on physics issues), conceptual design, and cost vs. performance analyses are presented. The DZP promises an inexpensive and efficient means to provide pulsed DT neutrons at an average rate in excess of 10¹⁹ n/s, with neutron currents I_w≲10 MW/m² over volumes V_exp ⩾ 30 liter using single-pulse technologies that differ little from those being used in present-day experiments.