Fusion neutron production during deuterium neutral-beam injection into the PLT tokamak

198185 citationsJournal Article

Authors

J.D. Strachan · Princeton University

P. Colestock · Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

S. Davis · Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

D. Eames · Princeton University

P. C. Efthimion · Princeton University

H.P. Eubank · Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

R.J. Goldston ·

Abstract

Fusion neutron emission of 1.5 × 1014 neutrons · s−1 and 2 × 1013 neutrons/pulse has been observed for PLT deuterium discharges with up to 2.5 MW of deuterium neutral-beam injection. The neutron time evolution and magnitude are consistent with theoretical calculations of the fusion reactions caused by energetic injected ions which are confined and slow down classically. The factor-of-two accuracy in the absolute neutron calibration is the major uncertainty in the comparison with theory. Neutron sawtooth oscillations (⪅ 3%) are observed which can also be explained classically.

Topics & Keywords

Magnetic confinement fusion research Fusion materials and technologies Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and clean energy

Publication Details

Published in: Nuclear Fusion

Volume 21, Issue 1, pp. 67-81

DOI: 10.1088/0029-5515/21/1/006

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 7.86