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Fissioning uranium plasmas and nuclear-pumped lasersCurrent research into uranium plasmas, gaseous-core (cavity) reactors, and nuclear-pumped lasers is discussed. Basic properties of fissioning uranium plasmas are summarized together with potential space and terrestrial applications of gaseous-core reactors and nuclear-pumped lasers. Conditions for criticality of a uranium plasma are outlined, and it is shown that the nonequilibrium state and the optical thinness of a fissioning plasma can be exploited for the direct conversion of fission fragment energy into coherent light (i.e., for nuclear-pumped lasers). Successful demonstrations of nuclear-pumped lasers are described together with gaseous-fuel reactor experiments using uranium hexafluoride.
Document ID
19750057359
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schneider, R. T.
Thom, K.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Nuclear Technology
Volume: 27
Subject Category
Nuclear And High-Energy Physics
Accession Number
75A41431
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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