| Abstract: | The implosion-induced compression of a pellet consisting of fissionable material, such as U 233, U 235 or Pu 239, to high densities by a laser-, relativistic electron-, or ion-beam is expected to lead to very small critical masses which can be furthermore substantially reduced by simultaneously compressing the pellet together with a neutron reflector. This method opens the prospect for micro-fission-explosions to be used for controlled power production as for a safe fast breeder reactor or for rocket propulsion. Furthermore, if the neutron reflector consists of thermonuclear material, such as T—D, the method can be used for the controlled release of thermonuclear energy. There the fission chain reaction not only will assist in the ignition of the thermonuclear reaction but in turns the fusion neutrons will accelerate the fission chain reaction to a very fast pace. In this case therefore, the fission chain reaction and the fusion thermonuclear reaction are coupled together with an expected greatly increased energy output. |
