Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
The ion temperature history of the plasma fireball in TRISOPS IIX has been measured by comparing the time-resolved neutron yield from a D–D reaction and a D–T reaction. This measurement results in a reading of ion temperature that is independent of any assumptions of plasma density or fireball volume. The results verify and clarify previously reported TRISOPS parameters. In a separate set of measurements using a D–D reaction, the ion temperature was determined by comparisons of Doppler broadening and neutron yield. It was found that the ion temperature rises in 5 μs to 6 keV with a corresponding density of 1015 ions cm3. After 8 μs it falls rapidly to 1 keV as the density rises to 1017 ions cm–3. The 1 keV temperature is held for about 20 μs. These temperatures and densities yield an equilibration time for ions and electrons that is long compared with the duration of the experiment.