Beam–beam space charge effects in the HIDIF target chamber

In a heavy ion fusion driver scenario the high space charge requirements imposed by the fusion target can be reduced by using a set of multiple beams which are focused on the target (matrix focusing). Due to the high beam current, the propagation in the reactor chamber is influenced by space charge which also has an effect on beam–beam interaction. These space charge effects may increase the beam spot size at the target, with consequent increase of losses in the beam–target coupling. Beam–beam interaction depends on the overall geometry and can require charge neutralization in the target chamber if it is not negligible. Our study shows that within the HIDIF scenario no charge neutralization is needed in the target chamber, at least not for compensation of beam–beam deflection.