Overview of neutron/proton source applications from IEC fusion devices

A recent proposal for reorienting a significant fraction of the fusion program to more near-term applications has been made. As part of the reoriented program, it is suggested that unique commercial products could be made from small fusion devices that have not yet reached the point where they are close to Q = 1 (energy out/energy in = 1). The thinking behind this approach is that smaller, less complicated devices that might have more flexibility in the fuels they burn could be used to produce high-energy neutrons, protons, alpha particles, and photons even though their Q values might be <<1 (i.e., net energy consumers). These unique fusion reaction products do have significant value when used in certain well-controlled applications