The effect of grid cathode geometry on neutron production rate in SCBF device

Abstract

Neutron production is very important to apply fusion energy through a SCBF(Spherically Convergent Beam Fusion) device and its rate is proportional to the square of the ion current∝I2). Also the ion current has a close relation with the potential well structure in grid cathode. In this paper, the ion current is calculated for the increment of neutron production rate in a variety of grid cathode geometry. The atomic and molecular collisions are taken into account by Monte Carlo Method and Potential is calculated by Finite Element Method. Main process of the discharge is the ionization of D2 by fast D2+ ion. As the number of cathode rings is small and gap distance decreases, the ion current increases and neutron production rate will increase.