Several diagnostics measure the particle sources and losses in the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U) plasma. An absolutely calibrated high-speed (0.5 ms per frame) filtered (6561 A) video camera measures the total ionization source as a function of radius. An axial view of the plasma automatically integrates the axial variations within the depth of field of the system. Another camera, viewing the plasma radially, measures the axial source variations near the deuterium fueling source. Axial ion losses are measured by an array of Faraday cups that are equipped with grids for repelling electrons and are mounted at each end of the experiment. Unequal ion and electron (nonambipolar) radial losses are inferred from net current measurements on an array of grounded plates at each end. Any differences between the measured particle losses and sources may be attributed to ambipolar radial losses and/or azimuthal asymmetries in the particle-loss profiles. Methods of system calibration, along with details of computer data acquisition and processing of this relatively large set of data, are also presented. 6 refs., 1 fig.

The Soudan 1 experiment has obtained additional evidence for underground muons associated with the x-ray pulsar Cygnus X-3. We report the preliminary analysis of data recorded during the October 1985 radio outburst of Cygnus X-3, which show a significant excess of muons for a narrow range of Cygnus X-3 phases.

We are disIgning a minimum-size Tokamak ignition/Burn Reactor (TIBER II). This design incorporates physics requirements, neutron wall loading and fluence parameters that will make it compatible with a nuclear testing mission. Reactor relevant physics will be tested by using current drive and steady-state operation. Although the design accommodates several current drive options, including neutral beams, the base case uses a combination of lower hybrid and electron-cyclotron radio frequency power. Minimum neutron shielding, compact structures, high magnet-current densities, and remotely maintainable vacuum seals, all contribute to the compact size.

Improved nuclear analysis, including the treatment of resonance and spatial self-shielding, coupled with an optimization procedure, has resulted in an improved performance estimate for the molten salt blanket. Net U-233 breeding ratio ranges between 0.58 and 0.63, and blanket energy multiplication ranges between 1.8 and 1.9.

The objectives of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Laser Fusion Program are to understand and develop the science and technology required to utilize inertial confinement fusion (ICF) for both military and commercial applications. The results of recent experiments are described. We point out the progress in our laser studies, where we continue to develop and test the concepts, components, and materials for present and future laser systems. While there are many potential commercial applications of ICF, we limit our discussions to electric power production.

This paper contains viewgraphs on the topic of radiation effects of solid state materials. In particular, it elaborates on ion beam deposition of thin film structures, ion implantation damage in crystals of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and ion implanted optical waveguides in LiNbO/sub 3/. (LSP)

We are presently developing an ultrafast x-ray framing camera, to be used in laser fusion experiments on the NOVA facility at LLNL. The framing camera will provide high-fidelity images with frame durations of less than 100 ps. The first prototype camera will generate a single image approximately one square centimeter in area, with a spatial resolution of approx.30 microns at the image plane. Coupling the framing camera to a 22 x Wolter x-ray microscope will provide resolution at the target of approx.2 microns. The camera will be optically triggered using a laser pulse that is synchronous with the NOVA driver beams.

Simple examples of finding tracks by Fourier transform with filter or correlation function are presented. Possibilities for using this method in more complicated real situations and the processing times which might be achieved are discussed. The method imitates the simplest examples in the literature on optical pattern recognition and optical processing. The possible benefits of the method are in speed of processing in the optical Fourier transform wherein an entire picture is processed simultaneously. The speed of a computer vector processor may be competitive with present electro-optical devices. 2 refs., 6 figs.