NEUTRONICS SHIELDING ANALYSIS OF THE LAST MIRROR-BEAM DUCT SYSTEM FOR A LASER FUSION POWER REACTOR.

A Monte Carlo three-dimensional neutronics analysis for the last mirror-beam duct system for the SOLASE conceptual laser-driven fusion power reactor design is presented. Detailed geometrical configurations including the reactor cavity, the two last mirrors, and the three-section two-right-angle bends duct are modeled. A current belief is that the main consideration in such design is the radiation damage and heating to the last mirror. This study suggests that an equally serious consideration is the radiation leakage from the system. The radiation damage problem to the last optical elements, and the ensuing loss of optical performance, can be controlled, at least, by replacement. Radiation leakage, however, may lead to uncontrollably serious operational and safety problems.