The Particle Injector for the “Ballistic Furnace”

For the manufacture of large (2 mm or more in diameter) microshells suitable for NIF experiments, the concept of a “ballistic furnace” was suggested by scientists at LPI. The key unit of the “ballistic furnace” is the injection device that accurately propels the initial particles from below with a given speed and precisely controlled trajectory without any damage to the accelerated particle. An electromagnetic device that satisfies these needs is described and the results of its tests are presented. This system can also be used for the accurate delivery of targets into the laser focus of a multi-beam ICF installation