Positron Induced Fusion Pulsed Space Propulsion through an Ultra-Intense Laser

Abstract

A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis. As opposed to traditional strategies positron antimatter is considered rather than antiproton antimatter. Positron antimatter can be produced by an ultraintense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. The ultra-intense laser production of positron antimatter mechanism greatly alleviates constraints, such as requirements for antimatter storage imperative for antiproton antimatter. Also the ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight. Various mechanisms for antimatter catalyzed fusion are considered, for which the preferred mechanism is the antiproton hotspot ignition strategy. Fundamental performance analysis is subsequently applied to derive positron antimatter generation requirements and associated propulsion performance. The characteristics of the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target imply a promising non-chemical propulsion alternative for the transport of bulk cargo to support space missions.

Controlled Fusion Strategy Using Ultra-Intense Laser Derived Positron Generation for Initiation

“…These antimatter derived propulsion systems Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics apply the generation of positron antimatter from an ultra-intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. One of the advantages of this configuration is the energy source for the laser system can be remotely situated from the propulsion system [3]- [8]. In particular, LeMoyne established a first-physics performance analysis of a space propulsion system utilizing fusion initiated by positron antimatter generated by an ultra-intense laser.…”

“…In particular, LeMoyne established a first-physics performance analysis of a space propulsion system utilizing fusion initiated by positron antimatter generated by an ultra-intense laser. Due to the nature of the ultra-intense laser generation of the positron antimatter the mechanisms for fusion can be controlled through the operation of the ultra-intense laser source [8].…”

“…Although this strategy releases a considerable amount energy, this approach is not a controllable means of eliciting fusion [10]. By contrast the mechanisms for evoking nuclear fusion by LeMoyne constitute a controllable means of eliciting a nuclear fusion event, which has been elucidated from a first physics perspective regarding fundamental performance analysis for the domain of space propulsion [8].…”

“…Essential to evoking a controllable means of fusion is the generation of antimatter [8]. Antimatter offers an extremely dense means of storing energy [11].…”

“…However, the antiproton requires complex storage techniques prior to application for the initiation of fusion. Positrons can be generated on demand through the incidence of an ultra-intense laser on a high atomic number target, such as gold [3]- [8]. There are three mechanisms for generating antimatter through the incorporation of an ultra-intense laser: Trident process, Bethe-Heitler process, and Breit-Wheel erprocess [12] [13] [14].…”