Plasma-channel-based reactor and final transport

As part of an ongoing exploration of final transport schemes based on plasma channels, a point design of a final focus and reactor system is being developed. Six MJ of 3–4 GeV Pb ions are delivered to a target in two opposing current-carrying plasma channels within a modified HYLIFE II reactor filled with 5 Torr of Xe gas. The transition from the superconducting quadrupoles to the small entrance hole in the reactor is provided by a tapered plasma lens. The required channel parameters of 50 kA current and 10 mm size have been demonstrated to be feasible in recent Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) experiments. The proposed system relaxes requirements on the incoming beam and provides life of the plant protection of all critical components around the reactor. Engineering design work is paralleled with beam and channel simulations from the final quadrupoles to the target.