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Elevated Electron Temperature Coincident with Observed Fusion Reactions in a Sheared-Flow-Stabilized Z Pinch
B Levitt1, C Goyon2, J T Banasek3
1Zap Energy Inc., Seattle, Washington 98203, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 29, 2024
Summary
The FuZE device achieves fusion-relevant plasma parameters, with electron temperatures of 1-3 keV peaking simultaneously with neutron production. This indicates potential for scaling toward net energy gain in fusion power.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Fusion Energy Research
Background:
- The sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch is a concept studied for fusion energy.
- Previous studies have achieved fusion-relevant plasma parameters and neutron production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present elevated electron temperature results in the FuZE device.
- To correlate electron temperature with the plasma neutron source.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an optical Thomson scattering apparatus on the FuZE device.
- Measured radial profiles of electron temperature (T_e) using a 17-fiber system.
- Scanned laser timing relative to neutron pulse for temporal reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Achieved electron temperatures of 1-3 keV on the plasma axis.
- Electron temperature peaked spatially and temporally with neutron output.
- Confirmed simultaneous peaks with pinch current and inductive voltage.
- Spectroscopic measurements suggest plasma in thermal equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- Elevated T_e confirms on-axis plasma assembly and limited radiative losses.
- Results demonstrate a basis for scaling the FuZE device toward net gain fusion conditions.
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