Reactor system, laser generation system and fusion reactor system for space applications

Abstract

The utility model relates to a reactor system, a laser generation system and a fusion reactor system for space application. The reactor system comprises a reactor, at least one satellite system, an optical cavity, an optical path modifying device, at least one pair of reflecting mirror devices, a timing device and a space driving device. The present disclosure provides a fusion energy system configured with a high intensity pulsed laser system in a compact and spatially efficient system; the high-intensity pulse laser system provides enough energy to ignite and maintain fusion energy configured in space application; the present disclosure provides the advantage of using this high intensity laser in space to produce fusion energy through efficient size, weight and cost.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 424,779, filed November 11, 2022, which is jointly assigned, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fusion energy generation technology. In particular, this disclosure provides a system and method, as well as related methods, for using a high-intensity pulsed laser generation system for fusion energy. More specifically, in an example, this disclosure provides a laser generation system for fusion configured in a satellite system. By way of example only, this disclosure can be applied to a wide range of applications, including power generation, spacecraft, transportation, other air, land and water transportation, defense applications (e.g., satellites, aerospace, land and missile defense, submarines, ships), biotechnology, chemical, mechanical, electrical and communications and / or data applications. Background Technology

[0004] Fusion energy is a type of energy produced when two atomic nuclei fuse together (releasing a large amount of energy in the process). It is considered a clean and abundant potential source of energy because the Earth has abundant fuels (primarily hydrogen) for fusion reactions and the reaction does not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.

[0005] There are two main methods to achieve fusion reactions: inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and magnetic confinement fusion (MCF).

[0006] Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) involves using high-energy lasers or particle beams to compress and heat hydrogen fuel in a small target, causing it to fuse. The fuel is typically a mixture of deuterium and tritium, two isotopes of hydrogen. The fuel is contained within a small spherical capsule called a hohlraum, which is placed at the center of a chamber filled with the high-energy laser or particle beam. When the laser or particle beam strikes the surface inside the hohlraum, it generates X-rays that uniformly heat and compress the fuel within the hohlraum. This allows the fuel to reach the temperature and pressure conditions required for fusion.

[0007] The main advantage of ICF is that it can potentially produce fusion reactions with relatively little fuel and at relatively low cost. However, the process is still in the experimental stage, and significant technical challenges need to be overcome before it can be considered a practical energy source.

[0008] Magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) involves the use of strong magnetic fields to contain and heat a plasma (hot ionized gas) of hydrogen fuel so that it fuses. The most common type of MCF is called tokamak fusion, which uses a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) chamber to contain the plasma. The plasma is held in the center of the chamber by strong magnetic fields, which are produced by running electric currents through a set of coil windings surrounding the chamber. Energy is injected into the plasma by particle beams or electromagnetic waves to heat the plasma.

[0009] The main advantage of MCF is that it has the potential to produce fusion reactions on a large scale, making it more suitable for power generation. However, it is a more complex and expensive process than ICF, and there are still significant technical challenges to overcome before it is considered a practical source of energy.

[0010] Both ICF and MCF have made significant progress in recent years, with multiple experimental facilities around the world working on these technologies. However, achieving sustained fusion reactions with net energy production (meaning that the energy produced by the fusion reactions is greater than the energy required to initiate and maintain the reactions) remains a significant technical challenge.

[0011] There are other methods of fusion energy being explored, such as magnetized target fusion and polywell fusion. However, these methods are still in early stages of development, and it is currently unclear whether they will be viable as a source of energy.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, fusion energy has the potential to be a clean and abundant source of energy, but significant technical challenges must be overcome before it is considered a practical source of energy. Invention Content

[0013] In accordance with the present disclosure, technology generally related to fusion energy generation is provided. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and method for fusion energy using a high-intensity pulsed laser generation system and related methods. More particularly, in examples, the present disclosure provides a laser generation system for fusion configured in a satellite system. By way of example only, the present disclosure can be applied to a variety of applications, including power generation, space vehicles, transportation, other vehicles for air, land, and water, defense applications (e.g., satellites, aerospace, land and missile defense, submarines, ships), biotechnology, chemistry, mechanical, electrical, and communication and / or data applications.

[0014] In one example, the present disclosure provides a reactor system for space applications. The system has a reactor including a fusion material and at least one satellite system positioned in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet. In one example, the satellite system is operably coupled to the reactor including the fusion material.

[0015] In one example, the system has an optical cavity held at a vacuum level of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of free space of 10 meters to 10 kilometers, and positioned with a satellite system. In one example, the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising pulses propagating on a first optical path from an energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source having a pulse energy output power of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule on the first optical path. In one example, the system forms a resonator comprising the optical cavity.

[0016] In one example, the system has an optical path modification device coupled to the optical cavity. In one example, the optical path modification device is configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path with a predefined timing, for example, in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds, and a response time, for example, of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds, to cause the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to change direction to a second optical path outside of the first optical path after using a plurality of mirrors to interact with a fusion material. The optical path modification device is configured to propagate the laser beam on the second optical path to generate a high intensity pulsed laser.

[0017] In one example, the system has at least one pair of mirror devices. The at least one mirror device is configured on the satellite system. In one example, each mirror device has a mirror surface area, for example, of 1 cm 2 and 100,000 m 2 , and is configured with the optical path modification device and disposed within the first optical path. In one example, the at least one mirror device is configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled to the propagation of the laser beam.

[0018] In one example, the system has a timing device configured with the optical path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device such that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between the at least one pair of mirrors such that each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases a pulse intensity of the laser beam.

[0019] In one example, the system has a spatial driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the spatial driving device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after the predefined number of cycles.

[0020] In one example, the present disclosure includes a high intensity short pulse laser generation system. The system has a resonator and an optical path modification device coupled to the resonator. The resonator is configured to enhance intensity of laser light propagating along a first optical path by circulating or shuttling at least a portion of the laser light output from a light source along the first optical path. The optical path modification device coupled to the resonator is configured to propagate the laser light propagating along the first optical path onto a second optical path that is not on the first optical path by repeatedly changing a direction of propagation of the laser light propagating along the first optical path with a predefined timing, thereby generating high intensity short pulse laser light on the second optical path.

[0021] Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

[0022] According to this example, the present disclosure can implement one or more of these benefits and / or advantages. In one example, the present disclosure provides a fusion energy system configured with a high intensity pulsed laser system in a compact and space efficient system and related methods. In one example, the high intensity pulsed laser system provides sufficient energy to ignite and sustain a fusion energy configured in a space application. In one example, the present disclosure provides the advantage of producing fusion energy in space using the present high intensity laser through efficient size, weight, and cost. These and other benefits and / or advantages can be realized by the present disclosure apparatus and related methods. Further details of these benefits and / or advantages can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly, below.

[0023] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by reference to the latter portions of the specification and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings are not to be considered limitations of the present disclosure, the presently described embodiments and the best mode in accordance with the present disclosure are described with additional detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a more detailed schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 is a more detailed schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 (a), Figure 3 (b), and Figure 3(c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure. Figure 3 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are simplified schematic diagrams of a laser fusion system according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6A (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figures 13 to 15 (c) is a more detailed schematic diagram of a light path modification device according to one example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In one example, in accordance with the present disclosure, technology generally related to fusion energy generation is provided. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and method for fusion energy using a high intensity pulsed laser generation system and related methods. More particularly, in one example, the present disclosure provides a laser generation system for fusion configured in a satellite system. By way of example only, the present disclosure can be applied to a variety of applications including power generation, space vehicles, transportation, other vehicles for air, land, and water, defense applications (e.g., satellites, aerospace, land and missile defense, submarines, ships), biotechnology, chemistry, mechanical, electrical, and communication and / or data applications.

[0041] In one example, the present disclosure is configured with a satellite system. In one example, a satellite is a man-made object designed to operate in the orbit of the Earth or another celestial body. It is typically launched into space using a rocket and can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, weather forecasting, navigation, and scientific research.

[0042] Time of flight (TOF) sensors are used to measure the distance between a satellite and other objects, such as the ground or other satellites. These sensors can be used to determine the position and velocity of a satellite and track the movement of other objects.

[0043] Thrusters are used to maneuver a satellite in orbit. These can be chemical thrusters that use propellant to generate thrust or electric thrusters that use electrical power to ionize a gas and produce thrust.

[0044] Communication is an important part of a satellite’s functionality. Satellites use various methods, including radio waves, microwaves, and laser beams, to communicate with the ground. They can also use antennas to send and receive signals.

[0045] Processors are used to control the functionality of a satellite and process data collected by the satellite’s sensors. These can vary from simple microcontrollers to more advanced computer systems.

[0046] Other features that can be included on a satellite include solar panels that provide power, sensors that collect environmental or celestial data, and payloads such as cameras or scientific instruments. Some satellites can also be equipped with shields to protect against radiation or other environmental hazards. Further details of the present laser fusion system applied to a satellite system can be found in the present specification, and more particularly, below.

[0047] Figure 1is a simplified diagram of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown, the system has a first satellite system 1 and a second satellite system. A first optical path is defined between the first satellite system and the second satellite system. A pair of mirror devices are configured on the first satellite system and the second satellite system, respectively, to form the first optical path.

[0048] In one example, the second satellite system is configured with a drive device coupled to an optical path modification device that changes propagation of the high intensity pulsed laser beam from the first optical path to a second optical path. The second optical path is directed to a target within a fusion reactor system to interact with the target to initiate a fusion reaction. As shown, a plurality of other high intensity pulsed laser beams can be directed to the target simultaneously with the high intensity pulsed laser beam from the first optical path between the first satellite system and the second satellite system. Further details of the present system can be found in the present specification, and more specifically, below.

[0049] In one example, the present disclosure provides a reactor system for space applications. The system has a reactor comprising a fusion material, e.g., a fuel target pellet, a hohlraum with a fusion material. The system has at least one satellite system positioned in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet. In one example, as shown, the satellite system is operably coupled to the reactor comprising the fusion material.

[0050] In one example, the system has an optical cavity held at a vacuum of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of free space of 10 meters to 10 kilometers, and positioned with the satellite system. In one example, the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising a pulse propagating on a first optical path from an energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source having a pulse energy output power on the first optical path of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule.

[0051] In one example, the system has an optical path modification device coupled to the optical cavity. In one example, the optical path modification device is configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path with a predefined timing in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to change a direction of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to a second optical path outside of the first optical path after using a plurality of mirrors to interact with the fusion material. The optical path modification device is configured to propagate the laser beam on the second optical path to generate a high intensity pulsed laser directed to a target.

[0052] In one example, the system has at least one pair of mirror devices. The at least one mirror device is configured on the satellite system. In one example, each mirror device has a 1 cm2 and 100,000 m 2 of mirror surface area and configured with a light path modification device and disposed within a first light path. In one example, the at least one mirror device is configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled to a propagation of the laser beam.

[0053] In one example, the system has a timing device configured with the light path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device such that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between at least one pair of mirrors such that each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases a pulse intensity of the laser beam.

[0054] In one example, the system has a spatial driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the spatial driving device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after a predefined number of cycles. Further details of the satellite system are found throughout this specification and more particularly below.

[0055] In one example, each satellite has a laser fusion system that can be physically connected to each other with structural material (e.g., beams and struts) to fix the mutual position of components on different satellites. In one example, the physical structure can be used with a system for fixing the distance between at least two satellites with or without such a physical structure. Other variations, combinations, and modifications to such a connection system can be included.

[0056] Figure 2 is a more detailed schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown, the system has a first satellite system coupled to a second satellite system. Each satellite system has a solar unit that generates energy for the satellite system. One of the satellite systems includes a laser light source operably coupled to a mirror device. As shown, the second mirror device coupled to the second satellite system is configured with a light path modification device. The light path modification device is configured with a driving device, a timing device, and other elements, each of which will be described in more detail below. In one example, the light path modification device changes a propagation of a high intensity pulsed laser beam from a first light path to a second light path.

[0057] In one example, as shown, each satellite system is configured with a support beam that couples the satellite systems together. The support beam can be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), aluminum alloy, and other lightweight materials. The support beam is coupled to a position detector that includes a time-of-flight sensor. In one example, the time-of-flight sensor includes a laser device and a sensing device to monitor and adjust the position between the satellite systems. In one example, a piezoelectric actuator can be configured to adjust the mutual position of the satellites.

[0058] Figure 3 is a more detailed schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the disclosure. In one example, the system includes the same elements as the previous figures. In one example, the system includes a mechanical cavity dumper device. The cavity dumper is designed to cut off a pulse of laser light propagating on a first optical path at the appropriate time. The cavity dumper device rotates or moves and mechanically changes the high intensity pulsed laser beam propagating in the first optical path to a second optical path.

[0059] In one example, the mechanical cavity dumper is a device for changing the direction and path of a light beam, such as a laser beam, from a first path to a second path. The cavity dumper is configured with an optical cavity, which is an enclosed or partially enclosed space designed to reflect light, in one example, the cavity dumper is a movable component that can be inserted into the cavity to reflect the light beam.

[0060] In one example, the movable mechanical cavity dumper can be installed on a satellite that is separate from the satellite that holds the mirror that configures the first optical path or other optical path, which will be described in more detail below.

[0061] Figure 3 (a) is a more detailed schematic of an optical path modification device according to one example of the disclosure. Figure 3 In one example, the mechanical cavity dumper is a device for changing the direction and path of a light beam, such as a laser beam, from a first path to a second path. The cavity dumper is configured with an optical cavity, which is an enclosed or partially enclosed space designed to reflect light, in one example, the cavity dumper is a movable component that can be inserted into the cavity to reflect the light beam.

[0062] In one example, the cavity includes a reflective material (such as a mirror) and is shaped to allow the light beam to be reflected multiple times as it passes through the cavity. To change the direction and path of the light beam, the evacuator element is moved to a specific position in the cavity such that the light beam is reflected in a different direction. This allows the light beam to be redirected from its original path to a new path (such as a second path).

[0063] In one example, the present disclosure includes a high-intensity short-pulse laser generation system. The system has a resonator and an optical path modification device coupled to the resonator. The resonator is configured to enhance the intensity of the laser propagating along a first optical path by circulating or shuttling at least a portion of the laser output from a light source along the first optical path. The optical path modification device coupled to the resonator is configured to propagate the laser propagating along the first optical path onto a second optical path that is not on the first optical path by repeatedly changing the propagation direction of the laser propagating along the first optical path with a predefined timing, thereby generating a high-intensity short-pulse laser on the second optical path.

[0064] In one example, the resonator includes a first optical system arranged on the first optical path, and the optical path modification device is configured to change the propagation direction of the laser by driving the first optical system according to at least the predefined timing.

[0065] In one example, the first optical system includes at least a pair of mirrors that define a first optical path of a Fabry-Perot resonant cavity by reflecting the laser output from the light source on the first optical path, and the optical path modification device is configured to change the propagation direction of the high-power laser by driving a drive mirror that is at least one of the at least one mirror, inserting the drive mirror into the interior of the cavity according to the timing, thereby reflecting the high-power laser to change the propagation direction of the high-power laser.

[0066] The spatial driving device is coupled to the timing device and the optical path modification device, which is configured to repeatedly change the propagation direction of the laser beam by inserting the drive mirror into the interior of the cavity to reflect the high-power laser beam, thereby causing the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to change the laser beam to a second optical path.

[0067] In one example, the optical path modification device changes the propagation direction of the high-power laser by inserting the drive mirror into the interior of the cavity with a repetition rate of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds.

[0068] In one example, as shown, the light path modification device includes a rotating part configured to be able to rotate along a predefined rotation axis at a predefined speed and a coupling part that couples the rotating part and the drive mirror. In one example, the coupling part is configured to determine the speed of the drive mirror by controlling the distance from the rotation center to the mirror, thereby inserting the drive mirror inside the cavity with a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to change the propagation direction of the high power laser, thereby causing the laser beam propagating on the first light path to change the laser beam to the second light path. The repetition rate of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds is determined by the rotation speed of the motor, such as RPM.

[0069] Figure 3 (b) is a more detailed schematic of the light path modification device of Figure 3 In one example, the device has a cavity emptier device for spatial application, for example, using a high speed rotating motor. The high speed rotating motor includes a disk that rotates at a high speed of 600 RPM. Using a 600 RPM motor, the value determines the repetition rate of the high power laser to be 10 Hz, as the drive mirror is inserted inside the cavity to reflect the high power laser beam at each cycle of the motor, thereby causing the laser beam propagating on the first light path to change the laser beam to the second light path. As shown, the system has a laser light source that is reflected by a mirror device configured on the disk of the rotating motor. The laser light source is located on the first path, which is located in the cavity to form a resonator (e.g., a Fabry-Perot cavity).

[0070] Figure 3 (c) is a more detailed schematic of the light path modification device of Figure 3 In one example, the device has a cavity emptier device for spatial application, for example, using a high speed rotating motor or similar configuration. The high speed rotating motor includes a support rod or member, a plate or any support material and is shaped to support the drive mirror. As an example, the support has a length of 16 kilometers, rotates at a high speed of 600 RPM, but other lengths and rotation speeds can exist. The 600 RPM motor determines the repetition rate of the high power laser to be 10 Hz. That is, at each cycle (e.g., one cycle) of the motor, the drive mirror is inserted inside the cavity to reflect the high power laser beam, thereby causing the laser beam propagating on the first light path to change the direction of the laser beam to the second light path or other light path. In one example, the support rod, plate or any support material to support the drive mirror with a length of 16 kilometers is rotated by the 600 RPM motor with a diameter of 32 kilometers, thereby generating a response time of 1 microsecond. Again, the above parameters are merely examples.

[0071] In one example, when the Fabry-Perot cavity length is 150 m, the round trip time of the laser beam is 1 microsecond. After 100,000 round trips, the intensity of the input laser source is increased to 100,000 times with a repetition rate of 0.1 seconds. Then, the high power pulsed laser is extracted by the high reflective mirror every 0.1 seconds with a frequency of 10 Hz, and the rotation speed of the motor is 600 RPM. In one example, the 1 meter size mirror has to pass through the cavity within 1 microsecond because the next laser pulse will occur every 1 microsecond. In this example, to satisfy the above condition, the disk diameter is 32 kilometers to increase the speed of driving the mirror using a 600 RPM rotating motor, and then a 1 meter size mirror is attached to the disk circumference.

[0072] In one example, the disk diameter ranges from 10 kilometers to 500 kilometers. In one example, the high reflective mirror size ranges from 0.5 meters to 10 meters. In one example, the rotation speed of the disk ranges from 300 RPM to 10,000 RPM. In one example, the length of the cavity ranges from 10 meters to 10 kilometers. Other ranges can also be used depending on the application.

[0073] Figure 4 is a more detailed schematic of a laser fusion system configured with a pair of satellite systems according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown, the system includes common elements as the previous system. However, this system uses a position detector system between the two satellite systems to maintain a desired spacing or gap between the two systems. The detector system includes a laser device and a sensing device that detects the laser device, and can preferably use a TOF or other distance and position sensor (e.g., a Light Detection and Ranging (“LIDAR”) system). Further details of the elements of this system can be found throughout this specification and more specifically below.

[0074] FIG. 5(a) is a simplified schematic of a laser fusion system according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown, the system has a high power pulsed laser system configured with a fusion reactor. The fusion reactor includes a target within a blanket structure that can absorb fusion energy including momentum energy of neutrons, helium, and tritium to generate thermal energy, and some neutrons are used to multiply tritium for reuse as fuel. The thermal energy is then transferred to a surrounding heat exchange medium. The blanket is surrounded by the heat exchange medium that is configured to transfer thermal energy from the blanket to the medium. The medium is coupled to a thermoelectric device to directly generate electricity using a temperature difference. The thermoelectric device is connected to an external space to keep the outside of the thermoelectric device at a low temperature. In one example, the thermoelectric device includes, but is not limited to, materials based on SiGe, BiTe, etc.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 5(b), the medium is alternatively coupled through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the medium to water to generate high pressure steam that rotates the turbine. The rotation of the turbine in the magnetic field generates electricity, which then works as a generator for the grid of a private or public power system.

[0076] In one example, the present system couples a high power pulsed laser system to a fusion reactor to generate a high power energy source to initiate and sustain fusion reactions. As an example, laser fusion is a process of generating energy through the fusion of atomic nuclei. The process occurs when two or more atomic nuclei are brought together and collide under high temperatures and pressures, causing them to fuse together and release a large amount of energy. In the laser fusion process in one example, a high-energy laser beam is used to compress and heat small pellets of fuel, typically a mixture of deuterium and tritium (two isotopes of hydrogen). The laser beam creates a shockwave that compresses the fuel to a high enough temperature and pressure for fusion to occur. During the fusion process, the atomic nuclei of the fuel atoms combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. As previously mentioned, this energy can then be harnessed and used to generate electricity. Further details of the present fusion system (and specifically the high power laser) are provided throughout this specification and more specifically below.

[0077] As an example, a high power laser is a device that produces a highly concentrated and focused beam of light with a high power level. The light produced by a high power laser can have a variety of properties (such as wavelength, intensity, and coherence), depending on the specific design and construction of the laser.

[0078] One type of high power laser is a solid-state laser, which is made from a solid-state gain medium that is pumped by an external energy source, such as a flash lamp or another laser. The gain medium is typically a crystal or glass rod that is doped with a rare earth element, such as neodymium or ytterbium, to amplify the laser beam. Solid-state lasers are efficient and can produce high power outputs, making them ideal for many industrial and scientific applications.

[0079] Another type of high power laser is a gas laser that uses a gas as a gain medium. Gas lasers can be further classified based on the type of gas used, such as helium-neon gas lasers, carbon dioxide lasers, and argon gas lasers. Gas lasers are highly reliable and have long lifetimes, making them suitable for continuous operation.

[0080] High power lasers can also be a hybrid of the two types described above (such as fiber lasers, which use a doped optical fiber as a gain medium). Fiber lasers are efficient and can produce very high power outputs, making them ideal for many industrial and scientific applications.

[0081] There are many factors that contribute to the performance and efficiency of high power lasers, such as the gain medium, pump source, resonator design, and cooling system. The design and construction of a high power laser can greatly affect its performance and suitability for particular applications. As an example, high power lasers are highly concentrated and focused beams of light with high power levels and are used in a wide range of applications.

[0082] In one example, the present disclosure provides a high intensity pulsed laser generation system. In one example, a high intensity pulsed laser is a type of laser that produces highly concentrated and focused beams of light with high power levels but with pulse durations that are much shorter than the average pulse duration of a continuous wave laser. The short pulse duration of a high intensity pulsed laser allows for high peak power and the ability to deliver energy to a target in a very short period of time.

[0083] In one example, one type of high intensity pulsed laser is a Q-switched laser that uses a mechanical or electro-optical modulator to rapidly switch the laser beam on and off. This allows the laser to produce very short pulses with pulse durations ranging from nanoseconds to picoseconds. Q-switched lasers are highly efficient and can produce very high peak powers making them ideal for many industrial and scientific applications. Another type of high intensity pulsed laser is a mode-locked laser that uses a nonlinear optical element, such as a saturable absorber or a passive mode locker, to generate short pulses. Mode-locked lasers can produce very short pulses with pulse durations ranging from femtoseconds to picoseconds. They are highly stable and can produce very high peak powers making them ideal for many scientific and research applications.

[0084] There are many factors that contribute to the performance and efficiency of high intensity pulsed lasers, such as the gain medium, pump source, resonator design, and pulse generation method. The design and construction of a high intensity pulsed laser can greatly affect its performance and suitability for particular applications. In one example, a high intensity pulsed laser is a type of laser that produces highly concentrated and focused beams of light with high power levels and very short pulse durations. It is used in a wide range of applications. In one example, the present disclosure provides high intensity pulsed laser generation systems and related methods as described throughout this specification and more specifically below.

[0085] Figure 6is a simplified schematic of a high intensity pulsed laser generation system according to one example of the present disclosure. As shown, the system has an input laser configured with a first optical path that begins at a laser input, reflects off a mirror coupled to an actuator, and reflects off a curved mirror back into the vicinity of the input laser to reflect off a flat mirror, forming a triangular path between the two flat mirrors and the curved mirror. Further details of the first optical path are provided throughout this specification and are provided more specifically below.

[0086] In one example, the intensity of the input laser is added to increase the intensity level of the laser beam propagating in the triangular path from a first intensity level, a second intensity level, and so on, to an Nth intensity level. The intensity is increased until a desired intensity level is reached. Once the desired intensity level is reached, the actuator spatially moves the flat mirror from a first position to a second position to change the beam path from the first optical path to a second optical path. In one example, the second optical path changes the spatial position of the reflection point on the mirror coupled to the actuator to direct the beam from the mirror to a reflection point on the curved mirror to an outward path of the high intensity pulsed laser beam. In one example, the high intensity pulsed laser beam is a number of times the intensity of the input laser beam.

[0087] As shown, the system uses high reflective flat optical mirror devices and curved optical mirror devices with reflectivity greater than 99.99% or 99.999% to minimize optical losses. In one example, a high reflective optical mirror is a device that reflects light in a specific direction. The device has a flat or curved surface and is coated with a high reflective material such as a dielectric material or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, silver, or gold). The preferred high reflective optical mirror is a dielectric distributed Brag Reflector (DBR). In one example, the shape and curvature of the mirror determine the direction and intensity of the reflected light.

[0088] As shown, there are multiple types of high reflective optical mirrors, each with specific characteristics and uses. Flat mirrors (also known as flat mirrors) have flat reflective surfaces and are used to reflect light in a straight line. In one example, concave mirrors have curved inwardly reflective surfaces and are used to focus light to a single point. In one example, convex mirrors have curved outwardly reflective surfaces and are used to spread light over a wider area. In one example, optical mirrors can also be coated with specialized coatings such as dielectric coatings or metallic coatings to enhance their reflective properties and reduce surface defects, which can cause light absorption, leading to optical damage. These coatings can improve the efficiency and performance of the mirrors, making them suitable for specific applications.

[0089] In one example, as shown in the figures, the actuator is a magnetostrictive actuator. In one example, a magnetostrictive actuator is a device that uses the magnetostrictive effect to produce controlled motion or displacement. The actuator has a magnetostrictive material, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, and a magnetic field source, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Preferred examples of magnetostrictive materials are shown in Figure 6A and other figures.

[0090] When the magnetostrictive material is subjected to a magnetic field, it undergoes a change in shape or size, which results in a mechanical displacement. By controlling the strength and direction of the magnetic field, the displacement of the magnetostrictive actuator can be precisely controlled. In preferred examples, magnetostrictive actuators have a number of properties that make them well-suited for fast actuation applications. They have a high response speed, low power consumption, and a high force-to-weight ratio, which allows them to produce large displacements with minimal input power. The response time in nanoseconds is much faster than the response time of piezoelectric materials in milliseconds. Additionally, magnetostrictive actuators have high fatigue resistance and can operate over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for use in a variety of environments. Magnetostrictive actuators are highly reliable and can operate continuously without the need for maintenance, making them an attractive choice for many fast actuation applications.

[0091] In one example, various factors can affect the performance and efficiency of a magnetostrictive actuator, such as the type and composition of the magnetostrictive material, the design and strength of the magnetic field source, and the mechanical design of the actuator. The specific design and construction of a magnetostrictive actuator can greatly affect its performance and suitability for use in a particular application.

[0092] In one example, the actuator is coupled to an electrical coil to generate a magnetic field to spatially change the magnetostrictive material. In one example, an electrical coil, also known as an inductor or solenoid, is a device that generates a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it. The coil is typically a length of wire wound into a cylindrical or rectangular shape, often made of copper or aluminum. The number of turns and diameter of the wire determine the strength of the magnetic field produced by the coil. Various factors, such as the type and size of the wire, the number of turns, and the shape of the coil, can affect the performance and efficiency of an electrical coil. The specific design and construction of an electrical coil can greatly affect its performance and suitability for use in a particular application.

[0093] In one example, the actuator also has a housing, an inertial mass, and a set screw for spatial adjustment. In one example, the actuator also has a magnetostrictive material that moves 0.01 mm to 2 mm, but can also be other lengths. The material has a flat surface that is directly coupled to the backside of the mirror surface. In preferred examples, the area of the flat surface is approximately equal to the area of the backside of the mirror surface. In other examples, an adhesive can be used to attach or mechanically attach the material to the backside surface.

[0094] Figure 7 is a detailed schematic of a multi-path configuration for a high intensity pulsed laser generation system according to one example of the disclosure. As shown, the system has an input laser configured with a first optical path that begins at a laser input, reflects off a mirror coupled to an actuator, and reflects off a curved mirror back into the vicinity of the input laser to reflect off a planar mirror forming a triangular path between the planar mirror and the curved mirror. Further details of the first optical path are provided throughout this specification and more specifically below.

[0095] In one example, the intensity of the input laser is added to increase the intensity level of the laser beam propagating in the triangular path from a first intensity level, a second intensity level, etc. to an Nth intensity level. The intensity is increased until a desired intensity level is reached. Once the desired intensity level is reached, the actuator spatially moves the planar mirror from a first position to a second position to change the beam path from the first optical path to a second optical path. In one example, the second optical path changes the spatial position of the reflection point on the mirror coupled to the actuator to direct the beam from the mirror to a reflection point on the curved mirror to an outward path of the high intensity pulsed laser beam. In one example, the high intensity pulsed laser beam is a multiple of the intensity of the input laser beam. As shown and will be described, the various elements that make up the system for changing the direction of the beam from the first beam path to the second beam path are referred to as a cavity dumper. The term “cavity dumper” will be interpreted according to the meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this specification. Further details of the cavity dumper arrangement are described in more detail below.

[0096] Figure 8 is a detailed schematic of a cavity dumper for a high intensity pulsed laser generation system according to one example of the disclosure. As shown, the cavity dumper includes various elements including input parameters and information, timing devices, drive devices (e.g., spatial drive devices), and optical path modification devices, but variations are possible. As shown, the optical path modification devices are coupled to a movable mirror, a curved mirror, and a planar mirror. As shown, the spatial region configured between the mirrors creates an optical cavity. The optical cavity includes a first optical path that generates a high intensity laser beam and a second optical path that outputs a high intensity pulsed laser beam. As shown, the second optical path is outside of the optical cavity. In one example, the second optical path can be directed to a target. The target can be another mirror device, a pellet for a reactor, a material to be treated, a moving target (e.g., a vehicle, a warship, a drone, a rocket, a nuclear warhead), or any other object, whether man-made or natural or a combination thereof.

[0097] As shown in the figure, information and / or feedback from the light source are fed into a processing platform. The processing platform can be a suitable computer-based processor, controller, or other type of processor. Examples of feedback may include signals from the light source and photodiode (including pulse timing, frequency, power output, and other parameters) to detect transmitted light from the back side of each mirror. Figure 8 (Not shown in the image). Parameters for the cyclic mirror assembly are also fed into the processing platform. The processing platform also includes storage devices (such as volatile and non-volatile memory), including any combination of dynamic random access memory, flash memory, static random access memory, fixed memory devices, hard disk drives, and electronic and / or optical memory devices.

[0098] Information from the processing platform is fed into a timing device. The timing device is configured with a clock signal, which is configured with information to generate electronic signals for the driving device. The driving device includes a physical field generator that generates, for example, a magnetic or electric field to cause spatial changes in spatial regions of a material such as magnetostrictive, piezoelectric, or other materials, thereby outputting a mechanical force to move the spatial position of a movable mirror. The movement of the mirror's spatial position causes the laser beam to change from a first optical path to a second optical path or any other optical path. In one example, the driving device may be referred to as a spatial driving device because it drives the mechanical components in free space.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a detailed schematic diagram of the drive mechanism for a cavity emptier in one example of this disclosure. (See attached diagram.) Figure 9 As shown in (a), it is a magnetostrictive material equipped with a power source. The power source is coupled to a timing device. Electricity is fed through a coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field changes the shape of the magnetostrictive material from a first state to a second state, causing the material to elongate (or contract depending on the system configuration) and causing mechanical force to move the outer region coupled to the mirror device from the first spatial region to the second spatial region. Figure 9 As shown in (b), it is a piezoelectric material equipped with a power source. The power source is coupled to a timing device. Electricity is fed to the material to generate an electric field. The electric field changes the shape of the piezoelectric material from a first state to a second state, causing the material to elongate and causing mechanical forces to move the outer region coupled to the mirror device from the first spatial region to the second spatial region.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a detailed schematic diagram of the timing device of a cavity cavitation device in one example of this disclosure. As shown, the timing device receives inputs such as laser characteristics, including operating status, pulse duration, pulse operation, frequency, and other information. The timing device includes programmable software, computer hardware, and other components. In one example, the timing device outputs an on / off signal from a drive device to a magnetostrictive material or other material.

[0101] In one example, the computer used to control the drive (which is a high speed drive, also referred to as a “drive computer”) is a specialized device used to control and monitor the operation of a high speed drive, such as an actuator. In one example, the drive computer typically includes a microprocessor or microcontroller, which is a type of central processing unit (CPU) responsible for controlling the drive operation. The drive computer also includes an input / output (I / O) interface that allows it to receive input signals from sensors or other devices and output control signals to the drive. In one example, the drive computer can also include a memory for storing data and instructions, as well as various other hardware and software components that enable it to perform its functions. Some drive computers can also include additional features, such as a communication interface for communicating with other devices or systems, or built-in diagnostic tools for monitoring and troubleshooting the drive. Further details of the present system and method are described below.

[0102] Figure 11 is a timing diagram for generating a high intensity pulsed laser in one example of the present disclosure. As shown in the first row labeled “Light source power intensity,” each laser pulse from the light source has a pulse in the nanosecond range (e.g., 1-10 nanoseconds). The light intensity in the cavity increases from a first energy intensity, a second energy intensity to an Nth energy intensity with N being 1,000 or more, but can be less or more depending on the application, with each pulse from the source. Once the high intensity pulse is emptied or redirected to the second path, the process continues from the beginning with the first energy intensity, the second energy intensity to the Nth energy intensity. Upon reaching the Nth energy intensity, the action of the cavity emptier to empty the laser beam is shown on the bottom most line, which shows a pulse in the 0.01 to 10 microsecond range, but can be other pulses as well. The emptied laser beam is a high intensity pulsed laser that has a much higher intensity than the original intensity from the laser light source.

[0103] In one example, this high-intensity pulsed laser system can be configured with a laser fusion system for energy generation. As an example, laser fusion is the process of using a laser to initiate and sustain a nuclear fusion reaction, which releases energy by combining atomic nuclei. This process has the potential to provide virtually unlimited clean energy. In laser fusion, a high-energy laser beam is used to generate plasma, a hot, ionized gas composed of free electrons and atomic nuclei. The plasma is then compressed and heated to extremely high temperatures and pressures, causing the nuclei to fuse together and release energy. An example of laser fusion is inertial confinement fusion (ICF). In ICF, a laser beam is used to generate a shock wave that compresses fusion fuel into a small target pellet. Further details of laser fusion are described in more detail below.

[0104] Figure 12 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a fusion system configured as a high-intensity pulsed laser system according to an example of this disclosure. As shown, the fusion system has fusion material, such as a target pellet, disposed within a reactor. The fusion system may be configured with multiple lasers from different sources.

[0105] Figures 13 to 15 A timing diagram of a high-intensity pulsed laser output according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 13 The example shown includes a (1) megajoule-level laser source. The laser source is configured, for example, 1060 nm, but may be other wavelengths. The laser pulse has a length of ten (10) nanoseconds. The cycle is ten (10) microseconds (or 100 kHz). In one example, one hundred thousand (100,000) cycles or round trips are generated in a cavity according to this disclosure. For example, the cavity length is 1.5 km, which corresponds to a round trip cavity length of three (3) km. The round trip time is ten (10) microseconds, generating one hundred thousand round trips per second. For one hundred thousand round trips, 1 x 10⁻¹⁰ Hz is generated at one (1) Hz. 12 A pulse energy of watts (or 1 Terra watt) or ten (10) kilojoules. One megajoule is achieved when one hundred laser beams are used together in a fusion reactor.

[0106] like Figure 14 The example shown includes a (1) megajoule-level laser source. The laser source is configured, for example, 1060 nm, but may be other wavelengths. The laser pulse has a length of ten (10) nanoseconds. The cycle is ten (1) microseconds (or 1 MHz). In one example, one hundred thousand (100,000) cycles or round trips are generated in a cavity according to this disclosure. For example, the cavity length is one hundred and fifty (150) meters, which corresponds to a round trip cavity length of three hundred (300) meters. The round trip time is one (1) microsecond, and one hundred thousand round trips are generated in one-tenth (1 / 10) of a second. For one hundred thousand round trips, 1 x 10⁻¹⁰ Hz is generated at ten (10) Hz. 12Pulse energy of one Watt (or 1 Terra Watt) or ten (10) kilojoules. When one hundred laser beams are used together for a fusion reactor, one megajoule is achieved. For continuous laser fusion or commercially available laser fusion, in one example, a megajoule pulse is needed at 10 Hz repetition rate. Using the present disclosure, a megajoule pulse with 10 Hz repetition rate can be produced by using a laser source with 100 mJ pulse energy and 1 MHz repetition rate. Currently, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory can only produce a pulse of one megajoule energy per day.

[0107] As shown in the example of Figure 15 A commercially available laser source (0.5 X 10 6 W) is included. The laser source is configured at, for example, 1060 nm, but can be other wavelengths. The laser pulse has a length of ten (10) nanoseconds. The cycle is ten (1) microseconds (or 1 MHz). In one example, one hundred thousand (100,000) cycles or round trips are generated in the cavity according to the present disclosure. For example, the cavity length is one hundred fifty (150) meters, which is equivalent to a round trip cavity length of three hundred (300) meters. The round trip time is one (1) microsecond, and one tenth of a second produces one hundred thousand round trips. For one hundred thousand round trips, 0.05 10 12 Watts (or 0.05 Terra Watts) or five hundred (500) joules of pulse energy. When two hundred laser beams are used together for a fusion reactor, one tenth (0.1) of a megajoule can be achieved.

[0108] In one example, the present disclosure provides a reactor system for space applications. The system has a reactor including fusion material and at least one satellite system positioned in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet. In one example, the satellite system is operably coupled to the reactor including fusion material.

[0109] In one example, the system has an optical cavity held at a vacuum of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of free space of 50 meters to 10 kilometers, and positioned with the satellite system. In one example, the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam including a pulse propagating on a first optical path from an energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source on the first optical path having a pulse energy output power of 0.001 millijoules to 1 megajoule.

[0110] In one example, the system has a light path modification device coupled to the optical cavity. In one example, the light path modification device is configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first light path with a predefined timing in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to cause the laser beam propagating on the first light path to change direction to a second light path outside the first light path after using a plurality of mirrors and lenses to interact with the fusion material. The light path modification device is configured to propagate the laser beam on the second light path to generate the high intensity pulsed laser.

[0111] In one example, the system has at least one pair of mirror devices. The at least one mirror device is configured on the satellite system. In one example, each mirror device has a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100,000 m 2 and is configured with the light path modification device and disposed within the first light path. In one example, the at least one mirror device is configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled to the propagation of the laser beam.

[0112] In another example, the system includes a high speed rotating motor configured to change a direction of propagation of the laser beam from the first light path to the second light path or any other desired light path.

[0113] In one example, the system has a timing device configured with the light path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device such that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between the at least one pair of mirrors, whereby each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases a pulse intensity of the laser beam.

[0114] In one example, the system has a spatial driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the spatial driving device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after the predefined number of cycles.

[0115] In one example, the light path modification device includes a nonlinear optical element that converts a pulse photon energy of the input laser beam to nearly double or triple the pulse photon energy of the laser beam.

[0116] In one example, the fusion material includes an element having a proton number of 10 or less. In an example, the fusion material includes at least one of deuterium and tritium having a proton number of 1.

[0117] In one example, the reactor includes at least one radiation output body and a material housing. In one example, the radiation output body is configured to output pulsed electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of at least X-ray or shorter when illuminated by a high intensity pulsed laser, such that the fusion material is configured to cause a fusion reaction when illuminated by the pulsed electromagnetic waves, and the material housing is configured to house the radiation output body and the fusion material and to enable illumination of the housed radiation output body by the high intensity pulsed laser.

[0118] In one example, the system has a neutron absorption unit and a power generation unit, such that the neutron absorption unit is configured to generate thermal energy by absorbing radiation of at least one beam of neutrons generated from the fusion material by the fusion reaction, and such that the power generation unit is configured to enable conversion of the generated heat into electrical energy.

[0119] In one example, the system has a supply unit configured to supply electrical energy to at least the laser light source.

[0120] In one example, the high intensity pulsed laser beam directly or indirectly illuminates the fusion material.

[0121] In one example, the spatial driving device includes a magnetostrictive material in mechanical contact with a back side of the mirror device, the mirror device being adjusted or monolithically integrated with the back side of the mirror device. In one example, the mechanical contact is made using a surface area of the magnetostrictive material and the back side of the mirror device, the mechanical contact between the surface area of the magnetostrictive material and the back side surface substantially matching in area.

[0122] In one example, the magnetostrictive material is characterized by a thickness of a volume structure configured to spatially change along a plane of the magnetostrictive material parallel to and facing the back side of the mirror device by utilizing the magnetostrictive material to spatially modulate a magnetic field and couple the magnetic field to the magnetostrictive material, such that the mirror device is configured to tilt from a first angle to a second angle measured from a direction perpendicular to a mirror surface area of the mirror; wherein the first angle and the second angle range from 0.1 degrees to 5 degrees.

[0123] In one example, the magnetostrictive material is characterized by a thickness of a volume structure configured to change from a first thickness to a second thickness along an entire volume provided between a first surface area and a second surface area of the magnetostrictive material coupled to the back side of the mirror device by applying a uniform magnetic field to the magnetostrictive material, such that the mirror device changes a position of a laser beam from a first optical path to a second optical path by changing a spatial position of an incidence of the laser beam on the mirror device from a first position of the mirror surface area to a second position of the mirror surface area.

[0124] In one example, the pair of mirrors includes a planar mirror device and a curved mirror device, respectively. In one example, the planar mirror is adjusted by a magnetostrictive material, and the curved mirror device is configured with the first mirror device to change the direction of the laser beam from the first optical path to the second optical path.

[0125] In one example, the laser beam of the light source has a wavelength range from 1020 nm - 1070 nm. In one example, each mirror device has a reflectivity of 99.99% or more for the laser beam.

[0126] In one example, the light source includes a semiconductor laser light source containing AlInGaN-based compounds. Other light sources can also be used depending on the application.

[0127] In one example, the generated laser beam has a pulse intensity that is at least 10 3 times greater than the pulse intensity of the laser beam from the light source.

[0128] In one example, the optical path modification device is configured to enable the optical element of the mirror to change the propagation direction of the laser beam by repeatedly entering and exiting the first optical path, such that the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to the optical element changes the laser beam to the second optical path. In one example, the optical element of the mirror is configured to repeatedly enter and exit the first optical path by rotating around a center axis of rotation or off-axis, to extract the laser beam to the second optical path by changing the direction of the laser beam of the first optical path.

[0129] In one example, the present disclosure provides a high intensity short pulse laser generation system for space applications. The system has a first satellite system capable of being positioned in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet, and a second satellite system in the vicinity of the first satellite system.

[0130] In one example, the system has an optical cavity held at a vacuum level of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of free space of 10 meters to 10 kilometers, and positioned with a spacecraft, the optical cavity is configured to increase the intensity of a laser beam comprising pulses propagating on a first optical path from a certain energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source, the light source having a pulse energy output power on the first optical path of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule.

[0131] In one example, the system has a light path modification device coupled to the optical cavity, the light path modification device configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first light path with a predefined timing in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to cause the laser beam propagating on the first light path to change direction to a second light path outside the first light path after using a plurality of mirrors and lenses to interact with the fusion material. In one example, the light path modification device is configured to propagate the laser beam on the second light path to generate a high intensity pulsed laser to interact with the fusion material. In one example, the light path modification device is configured to enable an optical element of the mirror to change a propagation direction of the laser beam by repeatedly entering and exiting the first light path to cause the laser beam propagating on the first light path to the optical element of the mirror to change the laser beam to the second light path.

[0132] In one example, the system has at least one pair of mirror devices. In one example, the at least one mirror device is configured on a satellite system. Each mirror device has a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100000 m 2 and is configured with a light path modification device and disposed within the first light path. In one example, the at least one mirror device is configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled to the propagation of the laser beam.

[0133] In one example, the system has a timing device configured with the light path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device such that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between the at least one pair of mirrors, whereby each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases a pulse intensity of the laser beam.

[0134] In one example, the system has a spatial driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the spatial driving device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after a predetermined number of cycles.

[0135] In one example, the present disclosure provides a high intensity short pulse laser generation system for space applications. The system has a first satellite system positionable in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet and a second satellite system in a vicinity of the first satellite system. The system also has a laser generation system coupled to the first satellite system.

[0136] In one example, the laser generation system has an optical cavity held at a vacuum of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of the free space of 50 meters to 10 kilometers, and positioned with a first satellite system, the optical cavity configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising pulses propagating on a first optical path from an energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source, the light source having a pulse energy output power on the first optical path of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule.

[0137] In one example, the system has a light path modification device coupled to the optical cavity, the light path modification device configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path with a predefined timing in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to cause the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to change direction to a second optical path outside of the first optical path, whereby the light path modification device is configured to cause the laser beam to propagate on the second optical path to thereby generate high intensity pulsed laser light, the light path modification device configured to enable the optical element to change the propagation direction of the laser beam by repeatedly entering and exiting the first optical path to thereby cause the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to change the laser beam to the second optical path.

[0138] In one example, the system has at least one pair of mirror devices, at least one mirror configured on the satellite system, each mirror device having a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100000 m 2 , configured with the light path modification device, and disposed within the first optical path, the at least one mirror device configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled to the propagation of the laser beam.

[0139] In one example, the system has a timing device configured with the light path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device, such that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between the at least one pair of mirrors, whereby each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases a pulse intensity of the laser beam.

[0140] In one example, the system has a spatial drive device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the spatial drive device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after a predefined number of cycles.

[0141] In one example, the optical element is configured to repeatedly enter and exit the first optical path by rotating about a center axis of rotation extending in a first direction or off-axis rotation.

[0142] While the above is a complete description of specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents can be used. As examples, the package device can include any combination of the elements described above and elsewhere in the specification. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present disclosure which is defined by the technology described by the technology claims.

Claims

1. A reactor system for space applications, characterized by, The system comprises: a reactor including a fusion material; at least one satellite system in an orbit above a geographical location of a planet, the satellite system operably coupled to the reactor including the fusion material; an optical cavity held at a vacuum degree, characterized in that a length of a free space is 10 meters to 10 kilometers, and is positioned with the satellite system, the optical cavity configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam including pulses propagating on a first optical path from a certain energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source having a pulse energy output power of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule on the first optical path; an optical path modification device coupled to the optical cavity, the optical path modification device configured to repeatedly change a spatial direction of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path with a predefined timing to change the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to a second optical path outside the first optical path after using a plurality of mirrors to interact with the fusion material, so that the optical path modification device is configured to propagate the laser beam on the second optical path, thereby generating a high-intensity pulsed laser; at least one pair of mirror devices, at least one of said mirror devices being configured on said satellite system, each of said mirror devices having a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100,000 m 2 , configured with said light path modification device, and disposed within said first light path, at least one of said mirror devices being configured to change a spatial position of the mirror device coupled with the propagation of said laser beam; a timing device configured with an optical path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device, so that the timing device is configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between at least one pair of mirrors, so that each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases the pulse intensity of the laser beam; and a driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the driving device configured to adjust the spatial position of the mirror device to move the spatial position of the mirror device from a first position to a second position after the predefined number of cycles.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The optical path modification device includes a nonlinear optical element that converts the pulse photon energy of the input laser beam to double or triple the pulse photon energy of the laser beam.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The fusion material contains elements with a proton number of 10 or less; wherein the vacuum degree is 300 Torr or less; wherein the predefined timing ranges from 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds, wherein the response time ranges from 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The fusion material contains at least one of deuterium and tritium, wherein the proton number is 1.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The reactor includes at least one radiation output body and a material housing, the radiation output body configured to output a pulsed electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of at least X-ray or shorter in a state of being irradiated with the high-intensity pulsed laser, so that the fusion material is configured to cause a fusion reaction in a state of being irradiated with the pulsed electromagnetic wave, and the material housing is configured to accommodate the radiation output body and the fusion material and enable irradiation of the high-intensity pulsed laser to the accommodated radiation output body.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a neutron absorption unit and a power generation unit, such that the neutron absorption unit is configured to generate thermal energy by absorbing radiation of at least one beam of neutrons generated from the fusion material by a fusion reaction, and such that the power generation unit is configured to convert the generated heat into electrical energy.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a supply unit configured to supply electrical energy to at least the laser light source.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, The high intensity pulsed laser beam directly or indirectly irradiates the fusion material.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein, The drive device comprises a magnetostrictive material in mechanical contact with a back side of the mirror device, the mirror device being adjusted or monolithically integrated with the back side of the mirror device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The mechanical contact is made using a surface area of the magnetostrictive material and the back side of the mirror device, the mechanical contact between the surface area of the magnetostrictive material and the back side surface substantially matching in area.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein, The magnetostrictive material is characterized by a thickness of a bulk structure configured to spatially change along a plane of the magnetostrictive material parallel to and facing a back side of the mirror device by utilizing the magnetostrictive material to spatially modulate a magnetic field and couple the magnetic field to the magnetostrictive material, such that the mirror device is configured to tilt from a first angle to a second angle measured from a direction perpendicular to a mirror surface area of the mirror device; wherein the first angle and the second angle range from 0.1 degrees to 5 degrees.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein, The magnetostrictive material is characterized by a thickness of a bulk structure configured to change from a first thickness to a second thickness along an entire volume provided between a first surface area and a second surface area of the magnetostrictive material coupled to a back side of the mirror device by applying a uniform magnetic field to the magnetostrictive material, such that the mirror device changes a position of the laser beam from the first optical path to the second optical path by changing a spatial position of an incidence of the laser beam on the mirror device from a first position of the mirror surface area to a second position of the mirror surface area.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein, The pair of mirrors comprises a planar mirror device or a curved mirror device.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein, The laser beam of the light source has a wavelength range from 1020 nm to 1070 nm; and wherein each of the mirror devices has a reflectivity of 99.9% or more for the laser beam.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein, The light source comprises a semiconductor laser light source comprising an AlInGaN-based compound.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein, the pulse intensity of the generated laser beam is at least 10 times greater than the pulse intensity of the laser beam from the light source 3 fold.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein, The light path modification device is configured to enable an element to change a propagation path of the laser beam from the first optical path, such that the laser beam propagating on the first optical path changes the laser beam to the second optical path.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein, The element is configured to repeatedly enter the first optical path and exit the first optical path to extract the laser beam to the second optical path by changing a direction of the laser beam of the first optical path.

19. A high intensity continuous wave (CW) or short pulse laser generation system, characterized in that, The system comprises: An optical cavity held at a vacuum of 300 Torr or less, characterized by a length of up to 10 kilometers, the optical cavity configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising a CW or pulse from an energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source having a CW or pulse energy output power of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule or more on the first optical path; An optical path modification device coupled to the optical cavity, the optical path modification device configured to repeatedly change a propagation of the laser beam propagating on the first optical path inside the optical cavity with a predefined timing in a range of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds and a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds to change the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to a second optical path outside the optical cavity other than the first optical path, such that the optical path modification device is configured to cause the laser beam to propagate on the second optical path, such that the optical path modification device is configured to enable an optical element to extract the laser beam from the first optical path, such that the laser beam propagating on the first optical path changes the laser beam to the second optical path; Each of the mirror devices has a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100000 m 2 . A timing device configured with the optical path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the optical path modification device, such that the timing device is configured to adjust the optical path modification device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between at least one pair of mirrors, such that each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases an intensity of a pulse of the laser beam; and A driving device coupled to the timing device and the optical path modification device, the optical path modification device configured to enable an optical element to extract the laser beam from the first optical path, such that the laser beam propagating on the first optical path changes the laser beam to the second optical path.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, The system is coupled to a nuclear fusion reactor with fusion fuel material.

21. A high intensity continuous wave (CW) or short pulse laser generation system, characterized in that, Comprises: A resonator; An optical path modification device coupled to the resonator; Wherein, The resonator is configured to increase an intensity of a laser propagating along a first optical path inside the optical cavity predetermined by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser output from a light source along the first optical path, and The optical path modification device coupled to the resonator is configured to cause the laser propagating along the first optical path to propagate onto a second optical path outside the optical cavity other than the first optical path by repeatedly changing a propagation of the laser propagating along the first optical path with a predefined timing, such that a high intensity CW or short pulse laser is generated on the second optical path.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein, The resonator comprises a first optical system arranged on the first optical path, and The optical path modification device is configured to change the propagation of the laser by driving the first optical system at least according to the predefined timing.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein, The first optical system includes at least one mirror that defines the first optical path by reflecting the laser light output from the light source on the first optical path, and The optical path modification device is configured to drive the mirror in accordance with the timing, thereby reflecting the high-power laser beam and changing the propagation of the laser light.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein The optical path modification device places the driven mirror in a time frame of a repetition rate of 0.001 microseconds to 3 seconds.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein The optical path modification device moves the driven mirror in a time range of a response time of 1 picosecond to 30 microseconds.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein, The optical path modification device includes: a rotating portion configured to be rotatable along a predefined rotation axis at a predefined speed, and a coupling portion that couples the rotating portion and the driven mirror, and The coupling portion is configured to perform a predefined reciprocating motion due to the rotation of the rotating portion, thereby repeatedly inserting the driven mirror inside the cavity.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein, The system is configured on a satellite system.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein, The system is coupled to a nuclear fusion reactor with a fusion fuel material.

29. A fusion reactor system, characterized by, The system includes: a reactor including a fusion material; an optical cavity characterized by a length and at least one pair of mirrors, the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam including pulses propagating on a first optical path from a certain energy power intensity to a higher energy power intensity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam from a light source; an optical path modification device coupled to the optical cavity, the optical path modification device is configured to repeatedly change the laser beam propagating on the first optical path inside the optical cavity at a predefined timing to cause the laser beam propagating on the first optical path to change the laser propagation to a second optical path outside the first optical path to interact with the fusion material, thereby the optical path modification device is configured to cause the laser beam to propagate on the second optical path, thereby generating a high intensity pulsed laser; and at least one pair of mirror devices, each of the mirror devices having a mirror surface area of 1 cm 2 and 100,000 m 2 and configured with the optical path modification device and disposed within the first optical path, at least one of the mirror devices configured to change propagation of the laser beam from the first optical path to the second optical path by coupling the mirror device to the propagation of the laser beam.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein, The system further includes a timing device configured with an optical path mechanism and having a predefined frequency to adjust the mirror device, such that the timing device is configured to adjust the mirror device after a predefined number of cycles of the laser beam between the at least one pair of mirrors, thereby each cycle of the laser beam gradually increases the pulse intensity of the laser beam.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein, The system further includes a driving device coupled to the timing device and the at least one mirror device, the driving device is configured to change the laser propagation from the first optical path to the second optical path after the predefined number of cycles.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein, The light source has a CW or pulsed energy output power of 0.001 millijoule to 1 megajoule or more on the first optical path.

33. The system of claim 29, wherein, The laser light source has an emission wavelength of 1020 nm to 1070 nm.

34. The system of claim 29, wherein, The optical cavity is a Fabry-Perot cavity.

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