Heavy-ion-driven fusion

The possibility of driving inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions with beams of heavy ions is investigated with special reference to the adaptation of conventional high-energy accelerator technology to the purpose of inertial fusion power production. High-energy accelerators are reliable, have long lifetimes, high repetition rates (1 Hz and higher), and can be quite efficient (about 25%). This makes heavy-ion accelerators appear well suited as drivers for ICF power plants. Major design considerations are examined together with operating parameters, and criteria of driver choice. However, further experimental work is necessary to substantiate the theoretical promise of the heavy-ion approach to ICF