Dr. Nick Hawker, CEO of First Light Fusion, in front of the hyperspeed gas pistol 2. Photo credit: First Light Fusion
UK-based inertial fusion researcher First Light Fusion has completed construction of a 22-meter, two-stage gas pistol as part of its experimental effort to develop an easier, faster and cheaper route to commercial fusion energy.
Weighing in at 25,000 kg, the new 38mm cannon is the largest of its kind in the UK and fires a 100g projectile that, at up to 3kg, has a maximum speed of 6.5km / s or the 20 times the speed of sound can reach gunpowder. First Light has successfully fired its first test shots, with experimental fusion shots on the new device starting in June.
A two-stage light gas pistol converts the energy released by an ignited propellant into the compression of a light gas, usually hydrogen. This creates a gas pressure roughly 10,000 times atmospheric pressure and then shoots the projectile. When the weapon is fired, it shoots a projectile at great speed into a vacuum chamber and hits a fusion target – the heart of First Light’s unique technology. This influence is aimed at creating the conditions necessary for the merger.
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These “hyperspeed” devices are typically used by astrophysicists to simulate meteorite impacts, and a similar weapon was used to test the panels on the International Space Station to ensure that they could withstand the impact of small objects that are at high altitudes Move speed.
The weapon is deployed in parallel with First Light’s ‘Machine 3’ and allows engineers to explore a different parameter space by firing larger but ‘slower’ projectiles. The new weapon will be housed in a specially constructed 10 mm steel casing in the headquarters of First Light in Oxford under the name “The Citadel”.
Dr. Nick Hawker, CEO of First Light Fusion said, “This new weapon is an important part of the kit for First Light Fusion and will help us accelerate our development schedule. It will complement the work we are doing with our unique pulsed electromagnetic start machine, Machine 3.
“Our fusion technology is powered by the impact of a projectile that is moving into a fusion target at considerable speed. These targets act in pressure and size, adding pressure from the first impact to the ultimate collapse of the fuel capsule, which is a small part of the overall target. This new weapon delivers lower pressure than Machine 3 so we have to rely on designs that offer more reinforcement. The larger size means we can do this and still perform well.
“With both institutions together, we can make more than twice as much progress on the most important aspect of our technology, which is the goal.”
The news follows a recent $ 25 million fundraiser sponsored by global institutions like IP Group PLC & OSI. First Light is growing rapidly and currently employs more than 50 people in Oxford. The two-stage gas pistol project took just 10 months from conception to delivery of a fully functional test facility, which shows the great focus and effectiveness of the First Light team.
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