Status Update on the U.S. Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source Risk Reduction Activity

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) published a request for information (RFI) in March 2023 regarding the construction of a fusion prototypic neutron source (FPNS) to support the the development of advanced fusion devices, such as those proposed by commercial fusion energy companies. An FPNS has been repeatedly identified by this community as a highest-priority facility, including in the 2020 APS-DPP Community Planning Process strategic plan. The RFI asked for descriptions of concepts capable of meeting a given damage rate, neutron spectrum, sample volume, temperature range, temperature control, and flux gradient parameters by 2028 and 2032, with particular focus given to a concept's ability to match a 14 MeV fusion neutron spectrum and provide a high rate of damage to samples. 

15 concepts were submitted, which vary in conceptual approach, technical maturity, and ability to achieve a prototypical fusion neutron spectrum. A FPNS risk reduction activity (RRA) was initiated to assess these concepts. For example, the RRA team has considered the neutron spectrum, transmutant productant rates, and technical maturity of each concept, using systematic, rigorous, and unbiased approaches to perform these evaluations. A final report to DOE FES will be provided in March 2025; intermediate results were provided to FES and concept teams in June 2024. The purpose of this talk is to update the APS-DPP community on these results and the continued progress of the RRA.