A Reconsideration of Electrostatically Accelerated and Confined Nuclear Fusion for Space Applications

C. MacLeod; K. S. Gow (2010), JBIS, 63, 192-205

Refcode: 2010.63.192
Keywords: Nuclear fusion, fusors, fuseotron, scram, electromagnetic activation, inertial electrostatic confinement, propulsion, power, electrostatic acceleration

Abstract:
Most present-day research into Nuclear Fusion concentrates on high-temperature plasmas combined with Inertial or Magnetic Confinement. However, there exists another body of less well-known work based on Electrostatic Acceleration and Confinement. The most thoroughly researched of these devices is known as the Farnsworth Fusor. This paper reviews the technique and then argues that, with development, similar technologies would be particularly suited to space-borne applications, due to their safety, simplicity and light weight. The paper then goes on to suggest several possible directions for new research into such devices which might result in a working machine.