RF-assisted DC single beam plasma generation for multi-beam nuclear fusion

At UOIT, there is extensive research on plasma generation. This paper focuses on RF assisted DC plasma generation. The goal of the research is to increase electron and ion energy and production such that fusion can occur. The high energy ions would overcome the coulomb repulsion barrier energy for fusion. The energy from the ions can be in the form of thermal or kinetic energy. In this research, the solenoid in the plasma generator serving as an auxiliary power source operates both in DC and RF mode. The paper discusses the simulations and experimental work under this research. Under DC mode where the magnetic field is in opposite direction as the plasma flow, the electron temperature and density are 4.44 eV and 354.7 · 1018 m−3. Under 125 MHz radio-frequency, the electron temperature and density are 0.30 eV and 291.7 · 1018 m−3 respectively. Keywords: RF-assisted DC, Single plasma beam, Plasma generation, Multi-beam nuclear fusio

X-Pinch Plasma Generation Testing for Neutron Source Development and Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a sought-out technology in which two light elements are fused together to create a heavier element and releases energy. Two primary nuclear fusion technologies are being researched today: magnetic and inertial confinement. However, a new type of nuclear fusion technology is currently being research: multi-pinch plasma beams. At the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, there is research on multi-pinch plasma beam technology as an alternative to nuclear fusion. The objective is to intersect two plasma arcs at the center of the chamber. This is a precursor of nuclear fusion using multi-pinch. The innovation portion of the students’ work is the miniaturization of this concept using high energy electrical DC pulses. The experiment achieved the temperature of 2300 K at the intersection. In comparison to the simulation data, the temperature from the simulation is 7000 K at the intersection. Additionally, energy harvesting devices, both photovoltaics and a thermoelectric generator, were placed in the chamber to observe the viable energy extraction