Energy deposition and deflection of α particles in hot dense plasmas relevant to inertial confinement fusions

Abstract

Based on the kinetic theory, improved T-matrix models for the continuous-slowing-down (CSD) and the linear-energy-transfer (LET) stopping powers are established at the same level, where multiple scattering effects and the related transverse deflection are accounted for consistently and systematically. The degree of deflection characterizing the extent of transverse deflection is defined by means of the ratio of these two stopping powers. Calculations for energy deposition and deflection of α particle in hot dense deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas and also in hot dense DT plasmas mixed with carbon (C) impurity are performed. Multiple scattering effects and the resulting transverse deflection are demonstrated to have a significant influence on the stopping power of α particle, in particular, in mixtures containing different ions with large mass and charge asymmetry. It is shown that for DT plasma mixed with 5% C impurity, the range and penetration depth of the α particle are shortened by about 21% and 27%, respectively. Our models are found to be appropriate for the evaluation of stopping powers not only in weakly coupled plasmas but also in moderately degenerate and correlated plasmas. These results manifest that multiple scattering effects and the induced transverse deflection need to be taken into account in modeling the transport of α particle in hot dense plasmas relevant to inertial confinement fusions.