Affordable, manageable, practical, and scalable (AMPS) high-yield and high-gain inertial fusion

Abstract: High-yield inertial fusion offers a transformative path to affordable clean firm power and advanced defense capabilities. Recent milestones at large facilities, particularly the National Ignition Facility (NIF), have demonstrated the feasibility of ignition but highlight the need for approaches that can deliver large amounts of energy to fusion targets at much higher efficiency and lower cost. We propose that pulser-driven inertial fusion energy (IFE), which uses high-current pulsed-power technology to compress targets to thermonuclear conditions, can achieve this goal. In this paper, we detail the physics basis for pulser IFE, focusing on magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF), where cylindrical metal liners compress DT fuel under strong magnetic fields and pre-heat. We discuss how the low implosion velocities, direct-drive efficiency, and scalable pulser architecture can achieve ignition-level conditions at low capital cost. Our multi-dimensional simulations, benchmarked against experiments at the Z facility, show that scaling from 20 MA to 50-60 MA of current enables net facility gain. We then introduce our Demonstration System (DS), a pulsed-power driver designed to deliver more than 60 MA and store approximately 80 MJ of energy. The DS is designed to achieve a 1000x increase in effective performance compared to the NIF, delivering approximately 100x greater facility-level energy gain -- and importantly, achieving net facility gain, or Qf>1 -- at just 1/10 the capital cost. We also examine the engineering requirements for repetitive operation, target fabrication, and chamber maintenance, highlighting a practical roadmap to commercial power plants.

Overview of Affordable and Scalable Inertial Fusion Energy

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of affordable, manageable, practical, and scalable (AMPS) strategies for achieving high-yield inertial fusion energy (IFE). The authors build upon recent advancements in pulser-driven inertial fusion, primarily through the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) approach. The primary focus of this research is to demonstrate the potential for producing significant amounts of energy efficiently at lower costs compared to existing facilities like the National Ignition Facility (NIF).

Key Numerical Results and Insights

1. Driver Efficiency: The pulser-driven inertial fusion offers a significant improvement in driver efficiency, being approximately $200\times$ more efficient than laser indirect-drive systems used by the NIF. This efficiency stems from the direct magnetic acceleration and compression of fusion targets, thereby reducing losses typically associated with intermediary laser systems.
2. Fusion Yield: The paper's simulations predict that scaling from 20 MA at current facilities to 50-60 MA could achieve net facility gain ($Q_f>1$). Specific target designs demonstrate facility gains of $Q_f = 1.36$ for beryllium liners and $Q_f = 4.75$ for aluminum liners, further asserting the practical viability of the proposed system.
3. Pathways to Commercialization: The authors envisage a transition from the Demonstration System (DS) to commercial power plants, with the DS achieving $1/10$ the capital cost and approximately $100\times$ greater facility-level energy gain compared to NIF. Key considerations for commercialization include repetitive operation, target fabrication, component lifetime, and tritium breeding.

Practical and Theoretical Implications

• Commercial Power: By addressing the AMPS criteria, pulser IFE could lead to an economically viable and deployable fusion power plant. The high driver efficiency and facility gains underscore the potential for this technology to provide clean, firm power, contributing significantly to meeting global energy demands and decarbonization goals.
• Defense Applications: High-yield fusion (>100 MJ) has specific applications in national defense, which require replicating extreme conditions for validation purposes. The advancements discussed in the paper provide a roadmap for maintaining strategic defense capabilities.
• Scientific Research: The improved simulation capabilities and scalable infrastructure could benefit broader scientific research into fusion energy and high energy density physics, offering a platform for collaborative advancements.

Future Directions

The ongoing development of pulser-driven inertial fusion could catalyze a shift in the fusion research landscape, making it feasible not just as a scientific pursuit but as an integral part of the energy matrix. Future work is likely to focus on refining target designs, enhancing component reliability for repetitive operations, and progressing towards key milestones for commercial deployment.

Overall, this paper lays the groundwork for pulser-driven IFE as a transformative technology, advancing fusion research while providing practical solutions for the energy market and national security.