Ion Beam Drift Compression Technology for NDCX

76144-Heavy-ion fusion requires a high current and high brightness beam, but its specifications cannot be met with the highest intensity ion sources available. Current amplification, through longitudinal compression of the beam, will be needed to achieve these specifications, and ion beam drift compression has been identified as the preferred method. However, this concept has not been demonstrated experimentally. This project will combine a novel induction acceleration buncher with a transport channel, in order to develop and experimentally demonstrate ion beam drift compression on a major heavy ion fusion experiment at a leading national laboratory. Phase I will: (1) develop a preliminary design for the buncher system, including an induction cell, beam focusing elements, and an all-solid-state pulse modulator; and (2) develop a preliminary design for a drift compression transport channel. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the benefits to the heavy ion fusion program, this project should have substantial commercial pay-offs in areas including: (1) induction accelerators for radiation processing and induction synchrotrons for semiconductor research; (2) pulsed lasers; (3) low energy accelerators for ion surface modification and semiconductor ion implantation; (4) pulsed neutron generator systems for radiography, activation analysis, medical isotope production, and homeland security; and (5) modulator drivers for radar and high-energy accelerators.