U.S. Accelerator Research Program for Heavy-Ion Fusion

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Abstract
The U.S. heavy-ion fusion program emphasizes research and development (R&D) on linear induction accelerators. This strategy emerged in 1983, after the U.S. Department of Energy established the heavy-ion fusion accelerator research (HIFAR) program to acquire an appropriate data base for future decisions on heavy-ion inertial fusion. Since that time, HIFAR has advanced the understanding of high-current ion beam transport, and accelerator technology through laboratory-scale experiments and supporting theoretical studies. Although each program element will continue to contribute to the HIFAR data base over the next few years, present accelerator experiments cannot supply sufficient data to adequately satisfy the program objective. Consequently, HIFAR is approaching a transition between the research and accelerator demonstration phases. The history, status, and short-term plans of HIFAR are examined. The program structure, review of the technical status, and introduction of a proposed R&D program that can minimally meet the HIFAR objective are discussed.

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