Analysis and optimization of plasma and magnetic field behavior in a magnetic nozzle for laser fusion propulsion

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18283
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Aerospace engineering
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Morita Taichi 九州大学, 総合理工学研究院, 助教 (30726401)
• Research Collaborator: YAMAMOTO Naoji ; FUJIOKA Shinsuke ; MORI Yoshitaka ; SUNAHARA Atsushi ; JOHZAKI Tomonori ; KAJIMURA Yoshihiro ; NAGATOMO Hideo
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 磁気ノズル / レーザー核融合ロケット / レーザー生成プラズマ / 高出力レーザー / レーザー計測

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Magnetic thrust chamber is one of the candidates of thrust system for laser fusion rocket. We performed experimental research (1) on visualization of magnetic field and (2) on the local plasma parameter measurement. First, we successfully developed ion backlight system with Xe ion source and applied it to a laser-produced plasma. In the experiment, however, the system did not work due to electromagnetic noise from large laser systems. In addition, we developed high-resolution spectrometer to measure the ion feature of Thomson scattering from a probe laser. We successfully measured local plasma parameters such as temperature, density, and drift velocity in relatively low density plasmas in a magnetic thrust chamber systems. The results suggested that the plasma was extracted from the magnetic nozzle, indicating the thrust system works as expected.

Free Research Field

プラズマ理工学