LIBRA-LiTE, a light ion inertial confinement fusion reactor with ballistic ion propagation

Abstract

LIBRA-LiTE is a conceptual design for a 1300-MWe power plant using light ion inertial fusion. LIBRA-LiTE differs from the LIBRA design in its use of ballistically focused light ions to drive the target. Focusing magnets are positioned 2.05 m from the target, which, to mitigate neutron damage effects, has required a novel magnet design using liquid lithium as a conductor. A sacrificial film of liquid lithium protects the magnets, the target chamber side walls and bottom from the X-rays and debris released by the target microexplosion. The target neutrons deposit in a tritrium breeding blanket of liquid lithium confined to woven metal tubes on the sides and in a pool on the bottom. The top of the target chamber is a metallic dome removed far enough (16 m) from the target to be a lifetime component.<>