Single Reflections of Charged Particles from RF Fields

This project is an experimental study of the reflection of a monoenergetic charged particle beam from a spatially inhomogeneous, radio frequency (RF) electric field, and of the beam energy distribution resulting from the reflection. Currently, humanity is at an inflection point where the methods by which we generate energy are under severe scrutiny. Assessing our energy needs and researching alternative energyproduction has never been more essential to our successful stewardship of the planet, and ultimately, our survival. It is apparent that the business-as-usual model of fossil fuel-based power generation, although lucrative to certain interests and shareholders, is not a feasible model for the extended future. Alaska is a prime example of an environment to which the mitigation of climate change is critical, as arctic communities will certainly be among the first to experience its effects, as shown by the melting of permafrost and other catastrophic effects of warming. Fusion power has so far been an elusive achievement, but through approaches such as the ITER tokamak, NASA’s lattice-confinement fusion project, or perhaps other hybrids of fission and fusion, the “white whale” of fusion power could be attainable. Our research aims to continue the study of the Multipole Plasma Trap (MPT) as a means of confining a neutral plasma and conducting basic plasma science as well as studying RF plasma interactions relevant to fusion reactor conditions (e.g. ion cyclotron resonance heating, by injecting RF power into a tokamak device). The research proposed in this outline is intended to be a continuation of simulation work taking place in the summer funded by the Alaska Space Grant Program1. The proposed research is relevant to the NASA Strategic Objective 3.1 by pursuing the development of a technology that greatly advances economic prosperity and global competitiveness, not to mention its massive applications in space travel. Fusion fuel is readily available to all nations of the world, and a fusion reactor is intrinsically safe and non-polluting. Whatever form and shape the fusion reactors of the future will finally take when they break the net-positive energy threshold, they will certainly be a major contender for the choice means of propulsion aboard any long-distance spacecraft as fusion fuel is very potent and a relatively small quantity could generate the massive amount of energy required to traverse the great distances between planets and provide life support for astronauts who carry out these missions. We intend to advance understanding of basic plasma interaction with inhomogeneous RF fields, with application to fusion research, by the study of single reflections of charged particle beams from RF fields in the context of plasma confinement and heating in the MPT. Our main objective is to conduct an experiment in which we systematically study a beam reflection of a given particle species, and analyze the subsequent energy gains or losses experienced by various species, including H+, Ar+, and a pure electron beam.