Double 3 MJ dense plasma focus for thermonuclear drive inertial confinement fusion

Abstract

Abstract Nuclear fusion remains one of the most promising solutions for clean and sustainable energy production. However, significant challenges—including energy losses, plasma instabilities, and high operational costs—continue to hinder its practical realization. While magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) have been the dominant approaches, dense plasma focus (DPF) devices present a compact and high-performance alternative. This study introduces a novel double-DPF system, employing two coaxial DPF devices to compress and accelerate deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel pellets, leading to enhanced energy transfer and ignition conditions. By integrating high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic field lenses, the proposed system significantly improves plasma confinement, suppresses turbulence, and enhances fusion efficiency. Key physical processes—including pinch dynamics, confinement time enhancement, preheating mechanisms, and neutron yield estimations—are rigorously analyzed through magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models and numerical simulations. Theoretical results suggest that HTS-assisted double-DPF operation triples the fusion power output compared to conventional single-DPF configurations. Furthermore, optimized energy coupling between the plasma and the DT target enhances the probability of achieving ignition conditions. This work provides a systematic theoretical framework that lays the foundation for future laboratory validation. While further experimental and engineering studies are necessary, the double-DPF concept represents a scalable and efficient pathway toward controlled thermonuclear fusion. By addressing confinement and energy transfer limitations, this study contributes to the ongoing pursuit of practical fusion-based energy generation.

Keywords

• Pulsed power
• Dense plasma focus
• Thermonuclear reaction mechanism
• HTS magnetic field lenses
• Target pellet
• Implosion