IMPROVEMENT IN FUSION-REACTOR PERFORMANCE DUE TO ION CHANNELING

Ion channeling is a recent idea for improving the performance of fusio n reactors by increasing the fraction of the fusion power deposited in the ions. In this paper we assess the effect of ion channeling on D-T and D-He-3 reactors. The figures of merit used are the fusion power d ensity and the cost of electricity. It is seen that significant ion ch anneling can lead to about a 50-65% increase in the fusion power densi ty. For the Apollo D-He-3 reactor concept the reduction in the cost of electricity can be as large as 30%.