Reply To: Energy Policy in Chile – Economist Article

[AaronB]

There are two separate processes going on. First, the axial field coil is used to impart a small amount of spin to the plasma sheath so the filaments merge gently. After the filaments merge into a single filament, that new filament generates its own large magnetic field that compresses the filament, known as a z-pinch. At that point, the filament starts to coil like a spring or telephone cord. The coils attract each other and collapse into the smallest stable shape, a toroid. The toroid continues to shrink under its own massive theta-pinch forces, and when the conditions are right, the energetic ions get squeezed so hard that they begin to fuse. The high magnetic fields keep the ions and electrons from bouncing in all different directions, thus preventing the production of a lot of X-rays.

So, when thinking about these things, remember that there are various stages of energy concentration with unique variables and control factors associated with each. We’re in the process of figuring out and optimizing each one, and how they affect each other. For example, the axial field coil will inject spin into the sheath, but it may affect the orientation of the plasmoid also. That would probably stabilize the ion beam output, which would be a good thing. Other factors will affect the overall process and eventual output. We also have to consider the cathode and anode lengths, fill gas composition and pressure, voltage and current (with associated rise time and duration), voltage, synchronicity of input from switches, etc. Then there is the matter of the diagnostic suite, including neutron detectors, X-ray detectors, cameras and shielding from noise and EMPs, software, etc. Then we have to take the output data and analyze and interpret it correctly. Did I mention that we’re writing the user’s manual as we go, and there’s no official technical support number to call? That’s the nature of the work. While that may sound daunting to some, it an engineer’s paradise! It’s hard but very rewarding work, and we’ve made a lot of progress.