Role of additional grids on ion flow dynamics of an inertial electrostatic confinement fusion neutron source

The present study aims to enhance the performance of an inertial electrostatic confinement fusion (IECF) device in terms of neutron production rate. Previously, we achieved a neutron generation rate of 10⁶ neutrons per second, but for broader applications of the device, higher neutron production is needed by increasing ion density and energy. Additionally, more stable and well-confined plasma with longer confinement times is essential. We compared a conventional single-grid IECF device to a new triple-grid version to assess the advantages of using multiple grids for ion confinement. Our computational models, using the 2D-3V XOOPIC code, indicate that the optimized potentials of the triple-grid device can significantly improve ion confinement. The models reveal that the triple-grid design more effectively channels ion beams toward the center, compared to the more dispersed ion distribution in the single-grid design. Alterations in the electrostatic fields generate a modified potential well, resulting in the formation of highly concentrated ion beams channeled through specific pathways. Preliminary experimental results indicate a one-order improvement in neutron yield (10⁷ neutrons per second) due to the functional improvement in the triple-grid system.