Neutron production from advanced REB fusion targets

Experiments have been performed in which plastic shells, containing a CD₂ fuel wire, were irradiated and imploded by a single beam from the Rehyd REB accelerator (1 MeV, 250 kA, 100 nsec). The fuel wire is pre-exploded by beam prepulse, providing preheat and magnetic fields in the fuel which permit high fuel temperatures upon implosion. Initial results Indicate that ~10⁶ neutrons, of energy 2.5 ± 0.2 MeV, were produced during the last 30 nsec of the voltage pulse, consistent with the expected Implosion time. Additional “null” shots with portions of the target cut away and/or without prepulse did not produce such neutrons. These initial data suggest the origin of the neutrons to be thermonuclear.