Nuclear Fusion Detection Methods for Use With IEC Machines

Abstract

Despite the potential for limitless clean energy, nuclear fusion is seldom discussed in conjunction with other alternative energy sources. Nonetheless, there is a small but strong amateur community dedicated to the research of nuclear fusion. If grown, this community may help facilitate more conversation, interest, and eventual research into nuclear fusion. An often-large barrier in independent fusion research is detection and quantification of reactions. This research outlines the common methods currently used for fusion detection in inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) reactors and suggests an experiment to explore indirect methods of detection using Matlab code written for light emission analysis. Current indirect, or theoretical, methods of determining reaction rate are unreliable, as they do not consider all construction variables of the reactor. By measuring characteristics of the plasma to determine reaction rate, a more accurate indirect measurement method may be developed, allowing for a larger number of individuals to participate in nuclear fusion research.