Escape of α particles from a laser-pulse-initiated thermonuclear reaction

A theoretical analysis is made of the escape of α particles generated in the synthesis of deuterium and tritium in a spherical plasma heated to a high temperature by laser radiation. Under these conditions an α particle is slowed down mainly by plasma electrons. Equations are obtained for the fraction of the energy carried away by α particles outside the reaction zone and this energy is found as a function of the dimensions, temperature, and density of the plasma.