Apparatus for producing laser targets of 50 μ deuterium pellets

Abstract

Apparatus is described which produces 50 μ deuterium pellets that are being used in a laser produced plasma facility. The pellets are sliced from a continuously spun solid deuterium thread at a rate of up to 10 pellets/sec. The methods of thread production and slicing, and pellet collimation are discussed. A unique feature of the apparatus is that it uses no liquid helium.