Ion beam interactions with ICF targets

This chapter shows how low-intensity beams can be used to determine whether the ion beam target interaction is suitable for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets. Topics covered include the effect of uncertainties in energy loss on predictions of target performance; target conditions; single particle theory; plasma instabilities; preheat; knock-on electrons and ions; electrons from plasma instabilities; x-rays; charged nuclear debris; and neutrons. It is concluded that ion-target interaction appears suitable for ICF for at least some typical choices of beam and target parameters. More experimental work in hot plasmas and on targets with high-Z tampers is recommended. Includes a drawing of a typical spherical ion beam target