Inertial confinement fusion system which decouples life-limited component from plant availability

US11387007B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC · US

Inventors

• Edward I. Moses · Livermore, US
• Jeffery F. Latkowski · Mercer Island, US
• Thomas M. Anklam · Dublin, US
• Mary L. Spaeth · Brentwood, US
• Anthony Michael Dunne · Livermore, US
• Richard H. Sawicki · Danville, US
• Robert J. Deri · Pleasanton, US
• Robin R. Miles · Danville, US
• Andrew J. Bayramian · Marblehead, US
• Kenneth R. Manes · Brentwood, US
• Peter A. Amendt · Danville, US
• Alvin C. Erlandson · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 8, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 12, 2022
• Expiry date: Sep 7, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/10
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An architecture for an inertial confinement fusion system is disclosed. The system includes a fusion chamber for producing neutrons from a fusion reaction, and a laser system in which lasers are arranged about a vacuum chamber to provide energy to the fusion chamber to initiate the fusion reaction. The beam paths between the lasers and the fusion chamber are configured to prevent neutrons from the fusion chamber from reaching the laser system at a level that would preclude human access to the laser system.