TITLE:
Positron Induced Fusion Pulsed Space Propulsion through an Ultra-Intense Laser
AUTHORS:
Robert LeMoyne
KEYWORDS:
Antimatter Induced Fusion, Pulsed Space Propulsion, Nuclear Fusion, Ultra-Intense Laser, Bethe-Heitler Process, Positron, Antiproton Hotspot Ignition
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
12,
2017
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 ultra- intense 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.