First Results From Italy
(0) CommentsLPP received the first results from the small DPF we are collaborating with at Ferrara, Italy. So far, only the main Rogowski coil which measures current and dI/dt and the neutron counters are working. Noise problems are still being eliminated on the downstream Rogowski coils that measure the ion beams.
The results showed that the device as it is now configured can reach 300kA with 17kV capacitor charge. Since the existing capacitor bank can be charged to 60kV, the limitation on current is mainly due to the limits of the switch. If we can jointly purchase the new surface-effect switch LPP has already discussed with a supplier, peak voltage can be raised to 45kV and peak current of 800kA, sufficient to get a measurable pB11 burn. If we also purchase he additional capacitors LPP has planned for, doubling the total capacitance, we should be able to reach 1.6MA and achieve break-even.
This estimate is conservative, since the new equipment will have considerably less inductance, so it should be possible to shorten the current pulse time from 3 microsecond rise time to perhaps as short as 2 microseconds. This would allow a peak current of 2.4MA, and would allow us to explore the regime that the simulations indicate will produce net energy.
Note: Focus Fusion Society Executive Director Eric J. Lerner will be in Los Angeles and San Francisco March 3-8 for events connected with the premier of a two part-TV film on the alternatives to Big Bang cosmology. FFS members who want to meet with him or attend screenings of the film should contact him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Simulation Results
Conclusions from anode design study
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