Diagnostics

[FrankOlson]

With most fusion reaction involving deutrium, the evidence of neutrons suggests fusion reactions taking place. With aneutronic fusion (er, <2%), how will it be definitively determined that fusion reactions are taking place if it can't be based solely on neutrons formed? Temperature needed for the reaction to take place? Alpha particles? Extrapolations on the amount of neutrons formed? Which diagnostic tool carries the most weight, or is it going to be more of a series of tools that proves without doubt that these reaction are occurring?

[vansig]

you still get a trace amount of neutrons, due to side reactions

[FrankOlson]

Yes, true. I found a list. Some of the side reactions I found were

p+B11->C12+gamma
p+B11->n+C11
He4+B11->n+N14
He4+B11->p+C14
He4+B11->T+C12
B11+B11->Junk
and Possible B10 impurities

From: Scott Stephens on 18 January 1998
http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlux/nuc/reactions.htm

But, the goal is bountiful p+B11->3 He4 + 8.7 Mev reactions. How are these going to be measured? How will it be known that they are happening?

[Ivy Matt]

LPP has instruments to detect neutrons, X-rays, and the current from the ion beam. I imagine the measurement of current from the ion beam (using a set of Rogowski coils) will be the all-important measurement. For more on LPP’s instruments (at least as of 2011), see here: https://focusfusion.org/index.php/site/category/C72

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