Startup conditions for future mirror fusion experiments require a rapidly formed target plasma of approximately 0.5 coulomb of ions with energy of 50 to 100 keV. Theory suggests that very intense ion-flux emission satisfying these requirements can be extracted from a pulsed ion diode. Developing such sources would be an ideal CTR application of the high-power, single-shot capability of pulsed power technology. Recent experimental results are reviewed in which approximately 2 kA/cm/sup 2/ of D/sup +/ at approximately 50 keV was extracted. In the experiment, an intense relativistic electron beam undergoes many transits through a solid but range-thin anode foil. With each transit the electrons lose energy, causing their trajectories to collapse toward the anode surface. In so doing, the increased space charge extracts an intense ion flux from the anode foil's plasma. Observations are reported on the importance of diode stability. The general agreement between theoretical scaling laws and experimental results are also presented.

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The principal features of a fusion power reactor employing the magnetic mirror confinement concept are described. A parametric design and cost estimate analysis has been used to optimize the design for minimum capital cost per net electric output. Optimized parameters include the vacuum mirror ratio, the injection energy and angle, the choice of a thermal conversion cycle, and the design efficiency of the charged particle direct converter. The sensitivity of the cost of power for the optimized design to variations in many of the reactor parameters is discussed. (auth)

A cryopumping module using metallic surfaces at liquid helium temperature for condensation of hydrogen and deuterium gas has been constructed. This pump, a prototype of four units which will provide pumping for the Livermore 200 kV test stand, will be used to verify the concept and establish engineering parameters. Upon completion of engineering tests and evaluation the pump will be installed in an operating beam line. The design point pumping capacity is 80,000 liters per second for hydrogen and deuterium at 10$sup -4$ torr based on sticking coefficients of 0.15 and 0.25, respectively. Both the liquid helium temperature pumping surface and the liquid nitrogen temperature radiation shields are constructed of quilted double wall cylindrical shells. The pumping shell dimensions are 1.5 meters dia. x 0.6 meters long. Cryogen circulation is convection current driven in both cases. Liquid helium is supplied from an overhead Dewar through bayonet coupling. In the 200 kV beam line, pumping modules will be supplied via transfer lines from a central Dewar. Voltage standoff will be accomplished in the transfer lines. (auth)

A target chamber for application in the laser fusion program must satisfy some very basic requirements. (1) Provide a vacuum on the order of 10$sup -6$ torr. (2) Support a microscopically small target in a fixed point in space and verify its location within 5 micrometers. (3) Contain an adjustable beam focusing system capable of delivering a number of laser beams onto the target simultaneously, both in time and space. (4) Provide access for diagnostics to evaluate the results of target irradiation. (5) Have flexibility to allow changes in targets, focusing optics and number of beams. The ARGUS laser which is now under construction at LLL will have a target chamber which meets these requirements in a simple economic manner. The chamber and auxiliary equipment are described, with reference to two double beam focusing systems; namely, lenses and ellipsoidal mirrors. Provision is made for future operation with four beams, using ellipsoidal mirrors for two-sided illumination and lens systems for tetragonal and tetrahedral irradiation. (auth)

Isentropic compression of laser fusion targets requires highly uniform illumination over the entire target surface, and near normal incidence. For a two beam laser, this is best achieved using a fast catadioptric system. In designing such a system, the total thickness of refracting material must be minimized, to avoid loss of optical quality through small scale self focusing. Such a system is being fabricated for use with the ARGUS laser. It consists of a pair of nested ellipsoidal reflectors, coupled with an aspheric doublet refracting element which provides uniform illumination for the specified laser beam profile. (auth)

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A semiconductor detector x-ray spectrometer has been constructed for the analysis of elements in air particulate specimens. The excitation radiation is provided, either directly or indirectly, using a low power (40 watts) Ag anode x- ray tube. Less than 100 ng for most of the elements in the range Mg $Yields$ Zr, Pb are easily detected within two 1-minute counting intervals. A calibration technique for light element analysis and an experimental method which compensates for particle size effects are discussed. (auth)

Megagauss-level magnetic fields were predicted theoretically and observed experimentally. The field generation due to resonance absorption of laser light and thermoelectric currents is discussed. An experiment to measure these fields by Faraday rotation of light (2660A) is described. (auth)

An optimal energy delivery system for the world's largest glass laser system has been designed based on computer modeling and operation of laser hardware. Components of the system have been tested on operating lasers at LLL. The Shiva system is now under construction and will be completed in 1977. The energy supply described here will provide cost-effective, reliable power and facilitate the gathering of data in pursuit of controlled thermonuclear reactions. (auth)

Several techniques for using direct electron-pumping of gas lasers are reviewed. The primary objective is to categorize pump geometries and to give guidelines for gun selection and pulser design. Examples and application of pump technology are given. (auth)

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