“Magnetically insulated grid IEC”

[Dan Knapp]

There is a new post on talk-polywell.org from http://www.hornetechnologies.com about what they call “Magnetically insulated grid IEC.” There is no detail on the device, but it appears to be a “two coil” polywell. They claim continuous operation with HTS coils. Does anyone know anything more about this?

[Michael Bretti]

I found this paper on the subject, it may be an interesting read and shed some light. The paper appears quite good with a lot of background derivations as well as magnetic simulations:

Fusion in a Magnetically-Shielded-Grid Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Device.pdf

(1.07 MiB) Downloaded 170 times

At this point, the company probably wouldn't share too much information. Transparency in this field is usually lacking, especially by those claiming some major breakthrough. However, this type of IEC topology does appear to be studied, and I have seen references to the potential use of magnetically insulated IECs in other IEC literature, though there does not appear to be too much information on the subject.

[tannerhorne]

The possible problems with a magnetically shielded IEC are de-focusing of the core, and many systems like this have issues with thermalization of cold ions as a major loss mechanism. Advantages are that it is a simple heating method and an easy experiment to set up. I there are schemes to make the de-focusing issue not a problem. The ion-ion loss mechanism is trickier and several proprietary plans are in the works to attempt to mitigate that.

I have always thought the easiest way to see if it is going to work is to just test it. Which is why that is what I am doing.

Tanner Horne
Horne Technologies

www.hornetechnologies.com

[tannerhorne]

The main picture you see on the website is called a spindle cusp, similar to Polywell but has a lossy ring cusp, rather than all point cusps. I am not convinced Polywell ends up being purely point cusps anyway. The spindle cusp is significantly easier to construct and a good test bed for the final design.

Tanner Horne

[Richard Hull]

That is the way to go. Got an idea? Just do it! There aren't that many doers out there. I am glad you are chasing you ideas and attempting to forge them into hardware. Good luck.

Richard Hull

[tannerhorne]

New 2nd gen chamber back from paint! Now the real works starts.

[Richard Hull]

Looks like you are serious. Keep in touch as this thing develops.

Richard Hull

[tannerhorne]

Will do.

[Michael Bretti]

That's a pretty awesome chamber, must need some serious pumps to pull that thing down. Good luck with your efforts, definitely look forward to seeing how this progresses!

[tannerhorne]

Thanks! I had been talking to manufacturers about a purpose built chamber but most lead times were looking like 12-20 weeks. This one was not purpose built but should suffice and was available immediately. I was told previously a single crypopump would bring it down in no time, but we will have to see!