Laser pellet plasmas for filling magnetic confinement configurations

This chapter considers the optimization of the laser energy required for ionizing large pellets, particularly the application of multi-phase heating. Topics covered include wavelength selection and magnetic field effects on laser pellet plasmas. Pellet irradiation and pellet plasma expension are examined. It is concluded that the production of fully ionized pellet plasmas with a properly timed sequence of laser pulses is possible with reasonable laser energies; recombination and charge exchange processes which may impair the effectiveness of the method may be overcome by additional heating of the laser pellet plasma produced; and methods are available for reducing or eliminating the initial drift losses inherent in certain magnetic field configurations. Includes 2 photos and 1 drawing