Compact Tokamak Neutron Sources as a First Step Towards Hybrid Fission-Fusion Reactors

An Ignitor-like tokamak that is compact, high field, and high density device, could make full use of the its intense neutron flux, without reaching ignition as a source of neutrons for materials testing in support of a fission-fusion hybrid device. The main features of this High Field Neutron Source Facility, which would have about 50% more plasma volume than Ignitor, are illustrated and the R&D required in order to achieve relevant dpa quantities in test materials are discussed. Several full-power months of operation are sufficient to obtain relevant radiation damage values in terms of dpa, and a scoping study of shielding the magnetic insulators to reduce radiation damage has been performed.