7136535
Executive Summary
System Metadata
Source ID
DOC-LOSALAMO
Process Date
2/3/2026
Integrity Hash
SHA256-na2wczrj4r...
Indexer Status
COMPLETE
INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS
Layman's Executive Summary
This 1976 technical report describes experiments on a small-scale plasma research device called the Scylla I-C at Los Alamos. Researchers were studying the behavior and stability of high-density plasma to help develop more advanced nuclear fusion energy technologies.
Document Origin
The document was authored by Kenneth F. McKenna at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory of the University of California, located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. It was issued under the United States Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) contract W-7405-ENG-36.
Research Purpose
The Scylla I-C was developed as a versatile research instrument to investigate basic plasma physics processes and test advanced concepts, specifically studying the interaction of high-energy CO2 lasers with dense plasma columns to support larger theta-pinch fusion programs.
Relevancy Analysis
" This report is a foundational technical record for the 'Scylla' series of experiments, which are critical to the history of Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) and magnetic confinement fusion. The mention of high-energy CO2 laser-plasma interaction connects this research to the intersection of directed-energy studies and advanced energy production, often cited in the evolution of aerospace black programs. "
Extracted Verifiable Claims
- › The Scylla I-C is a 1-meter research theta pinch with a maximum energy storage of 175 kJ at 60-kV primary bank voltage.
- › The system utilizes fifty-four 1.8-uF capacitors feeding a 50-cm long, 10.5-cm diameter single-turn compression coil.
- › A peak crowbarred compression field of 33 kG is obtained 2.0 microseconds after discharge initiation.
- › Experiments were conducted using an initial fill pressure range of 100 to 500 mTorr of deuterium gas.
- › Spectroscopic data identified that identifiable lines other than the Balmer series resulted primarily from carbon ion radiation.
Technical Contribution
This document provides specific electrical circuit parameters, peak magnetic field measurements (33 kG), and spectroscopic analysis confirming that Z-pinch pre-ionization systems do not introduce undesirable impurities into the main plasma discharge.