Ion distribution function and radial profile of neutron production rate in spherical inertial electrostatic confinement plasmas

Abstract

The radial profile of the neutron production rate in spherical inertial electrostatic confinement plasmas is investigated. The electrostatic potential is obtained by solving the Poisson equation, and by using the potential; the fuel ion velocity distribution function is determined at each radial point. From the velocity distribution function, the neutron production rate is accurately evaluated. Numerical results show that if it is assumed that fuel ions are confined keeping the total energy and angular momentum almost constant, the double radial peak in the neutron production rate can appear without creation of the deep double potential well.