Single pass rf driver

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments relate to ion delivery mechanisms, e.g., for fusion power. Particularly, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivering ions to a fuel source in such a manner to initiate fast ignition. The ions may be accumulated into “microbunches” and delivered to the fuel with considerable energy and velocity. The impact may compress the fuel while delivering sufficient energy to begin the fusion reaction.

1 . A method for compressing a fuel source, the method comprising:
 receiving a first plurality of ions, each ion comprising one of a plurality of isotopes;   segregating the first plurality of ions based upon their corresponding isotopes into a first plurality of microbunches;   separating the first plurality of microbunches in space by applying a first electromagnetic wave;   reducing the distance between the microbunches of the first plurality of microbunches;   reducing the distance between a center of mass of the first plurality of ions and a center of mass of a second plurality of ions; and   colliding the first plurality of ions and the second plurality of ions with one or more layers.