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

The radial profile of the neutron production rate in spherical inertial ele ctrostatic confinement plasmas is investigated. The electrostatic potential is obtained by solving the Poisson equation, and by using the potential; t he fuel ion velocity distribution function is determined at each radial poi nt. From the velocity distribution function, the neutron production rate is accurately evaluated. Numerical results show that if it is assumed that fu el ions are confined keeping the total energy and angular momentum almost c onstant, the double radial peak in the neutron production rate can appear w ithout creation of the deep double potential well.