Confinement of ions in an inertial electrostatic confinement fusion (IECF) device and its influence on neutron production rate

Using a one-dimensional particle code, low pressure and large current discharge in an inertial electrostatic confinement fusion (IECF) device has been simulated, and confinement level of ions and the neutron yield through beam–beam fusion have been investigated. he calculation of low-pressure operation, it is clear that the averaged life span of ions is extended but converges to a value corresponding to the geometrical transparency of the cathode. Calculation of large current discharge (injecting D2+ current of 200 mA) can be carried out by applying the anode radius of 10 cm. The neutron yield through beam–beam reaction is insensitive to the pressure, but is higher than that through beam–background reaction at the pressure of 0.1 mPa or lower.