Journal Article

FZJ-2024-03546

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A research program to measure the lifetime of spin polarized fuel

Heidbrink, W. W. (Corresponding author) ; Baylor, L. R. ; Büscher, M.FZJ* ; Engels, R. W.FZJ* ; Garcia, A. V. ; Ghiozzi, A. G. ; Miller, G. W. ; Sandorfi, A. M.Extern* ; Wei, X. ; Zheng, X.

2024
Frontiers Media Lausanne

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.3389/fphy.2024.1355212  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2024-03546

Abstract: The use of spin polarized fuel could increase the deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion cross section by a factor of 1.5 and, owing to alpha heating, increase the fusion power by an even larger factor. Issues associated with the use of polarized fuel in a reactor are identified. Theoretically, nuclei remain polarized in a hot fusion plasma. The similarity between the Lorentz force law and the Bloch equations suggests polarization can be preserved despite the rich electromagnetic spectrum present in a magnetic fusion device. The most important depolarization mechanisms can be tested in existing devices. The use of polarized deuterium and $^3$He in an experiment avoids the complexities of handling tritium, while encompassing the same nuclear reaction spin-physics, making it a useful proxy to study issues associated with full D-T implementation. $^3$He fuel with 65% polarization can be prepared by permeating optically-pumped $^3$He into a shell pellet. Dynamically polarized 7Li-D pellets can achieve 70% vector polarization for the deuterium. Cryogenically-frozen pellets can be injected into fusion facilities by special injectors that minimize depolarizing field gradients. Alternatively, polarized nuclei could be injected as a neutral beam. Once injected, the lifetime of the polarized fuel is monitored through measurements of escaping charged fusion products. Multiple experimental scenarios to measure the polarization lifetime in the DIII-D tokamak and other magnetic-confinement facilities are discussed, followed by outstanding issues that warrant further study.

Keyword(s): Nuclei and Particles (1st) ; Nuclear Physics (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Experimentelle Hadrondynamik (IKP-2)
2. Elektronische Eigenschaften (PGI-6)

Research Program(s):

1. 612 - Cosmic Matter in the Laboratory (POF4-612) (POF4-612)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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