Fusion Physics
Fusion Physics glossary term

Capacitor Bank

An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications.

Fusion Physics Also: Capacitor Bank, capacitor-bank Has Dossier → 9 sources

01 Definition

An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications. In fusion research, capacitor banks power theta-pinch coils, liner implosions, and plasma guns. The Shiva Star facility's capacitor bank stores up to 10 MJ at voltages exceeding 100 kV, discharging in 1–10 microseconds.

03 Key_Facts

  • An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications
  • In fusion research, capacitor banks power theta-pinch coils, liner implosions, and plasma guns
  • The Shiva Star facility's capacitor bank stores up to 10 MJ at voltages exceeding 100 kV, discharging in 1–10 microseconds
  • Related Concepts: Shiva Star, Pulsed Power, Theta Pinch, Magnetized Target Fusion

04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence

Overview

An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications. In fusion research, capacitor banks power theta-pinch coils, liner implosions, and plasma guns. The Shiva Star facility's capacitor bank stores up to 10 MJ at voltages exceeding 100 kV, discharging in 1–10 microseconds.

Role: Glossary term: Capacitor Bank

Entity Type: Concept — Capacitor Bank is a technical concept or theoretical framework.


Technical Definition

An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications. In fusion research, capacitor banks power theta-pinch coils, liner implosions, and plasma guns. The Shiva Star facility's capacitor bank stores up to 10 MJ at voltages exceeding 100 kV, discharging in 1–10 microseconds.


Related Concepts: Shiva Star, Pulsed Power, Theta Pinch, Magnetized Target Fusion

06 Related_Terms (4)

07 Related_Entities (12)

08 Timeline_Mentions (10)

1960s

Pulsed Power Technology Growth

Pulsed power technology begins rapid development, supported by the Atomic Energy Commission and Defense Nuclear Agency for radiation source testing.

fusion-physics
1975

Foundational FRC and MTF Research at LANL

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) pioneers research into Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) and Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), establishing the scientific pedigree for future compact fusion progr

fusion-physics
1975

LANL FRC/MTF Research Era

Los Alamos National Laboratory pioneers research into Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) and Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF).

fusion-physics
1976

Scylla I-C Theta Pinch Experiments

Kenneth F. McKenna reports on basic plasma physics and advanced concepts using the Scylla I-C linear theta pinch at Los Alamos.

fusion-physics
1977

Sandia Phi-target Work Published

Sandia National Laboratory publishes early reports on Phi-target work, which remains a primary example of an integrated Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) experiment.

fusion-physics
1979

MAGO project begins at VNIIEF (Russian nuclear weapons lab)

Russian MTF program at weapons lab. Communist Party decree. Same dual-use pattern as US.

defense-programs
1981

FRX-C experiment begins operation at LANL

FRX-C demonstrates R² confinement scaling — foundational FRC physics. Beta highest of any fusion confinement.

fusion-research
1983

Reagan launches SDI — Shiva Star re-directed to 'Star Wars'

SDI directed energy: x-ray laser, FEL, NPB, Brilliant Pebbles. Shiva Star → MARAUDER precursor.

defense-programs
1990

MARAUDER program begins — AFRL fires compact toroid plasmoids as weapons

Shiva Star facility. 100 billion g acceleration. Explicitly NOT fusion. Same facility as FRCHX. The critical link.

defense-programs
1990s

LANL FRC and MTF Research Lineage

Los Alamos National Laboratory conducts foundational research into Field-Reversed Configuration and Magnetized Target Fusion, including the FRX-L experiment.

fusion-physics
View Full Timeline →

09 FAQ

What is Capacitor Bank?
An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications. In fusion research, capacitor banks power theta-pinch coils, liner implosions, and plasma guns. The Shiva Star facility's capacitor bank stores up to 10 MJ at voltages exceeding 100 kV, discharging in 1–10 microseconds.
Why does Capacitor Bank matter?
An array of electrical capacitors used to store and rapidly discharge large amounts of energy for pulsed-power applications.
How does Capacitor Bank relate to other concepts?
Capacitor Bank is closely related to Shiva Star, Pulsed Power, Theta Pinch, and 1 other term. These relationships are documented in the research glossary and cross-referenced with primary source documents.
When did Capacitor Bank appear in the research timeline?
Capacitor Bank is referenced in 10 timeline events, including "Pulsed Power Technology Growth" (1960s). The timeline provides chronological context for the development and application of this concept.
Which entities are associated with Capacitor Bank?
12 entities are associated with Capacitor Bank in the network graph, including Air Force Research Laboratory, General Atomics EMS, Teledyne e2v. Explore the network graph for full relationship mapping.
Is there a detailed dossier for Capacitor Bank?
Yes, Capacitor Bank has a comprehensive intelligence dossier with deep dive analysis, source documents, and network connections. View the full dossier for complete intelligence assessment.