David Peter Grote

Beam simulations for IRE and driver—status and strategy ☆

The methods and codes employed in the U.S. Heavy Ion Fusion program to simulate the beams in an Integrated Research Experiments (IRE) facility and a fusion driver are presented in overview. A new family of models incorporating accelerating module impedance, multi-beam, and self-magnetic effects is described, and initial WARP3d particle simulations of beams using these models are presented. Finally, plans for streamlining the machine-design simulation sequence, and for simulating beam dynamics from the source to the target in a consistent and comprehensive manner, are described.

Recent progress in heavy ion fusion simulations

Abstract Based on the success that simulations have enjoyed in reproducing both theory and experimental measurement, simulation methods have become increasingly accepted for studying the physics of space-charge-dominated beams. Such studies have recently demonstrated the utility of viewing the evolution of space-charge-dominated beams in terms of bounded collective warm-plasma oscillations. Viewing the plasma in this way has not only resulted in simplifying the explanation of experimental data but has also opened the possibility of utilizing th excitation of these modes to tailor space charge dominated beams for optimizing performance of heavy ion fusion drivers.

Narrow bandwidth Thomson photon source and diagnostic development using laser-plasma accelerators

Compact, high-quality photon sources at MeV energies are being developed based on Laser-Plasma Accelerators (LPAs), and these sources at the same time provide precision diagnostics of beam evolution to support LPA development. We review design of experiments and laser capabilities to realize a photon source, integrating LPA acceleration for compactness, control of scattering to increase photon flux, and electron deceleration to mitigate beam dump size. These experiments are developing a compact photon source system with the potential to enable new monoenergetic photon applications currently restricted by source size, including nuclear nonproliferation. Diagnostic use of the energy-angle spectra of Thomson scattered photons is presented to support development of LPAs to meet the needs of advanced high yield/low-energy-spread photon sources and future high energy physics colliders.