Talk-Polywell.org

The argument in favor of the polywell with Boron-Proton fusion centers on the non-thermalized plasma, where the boron ions have 5 times the energy of the electrons. But protons, having the same charge magnitude as electrons, would have the same energy as electrons. And it is the total energy of B+P (in center of momentum frame?) that drives the reaction. Thus to drive the reaction to optimum rate, boron ions would need somewhat more energy than a thermalized plasma.

Et = particle energy, thermalized plasma.
Ebp = energy boron polywell = 5*Epp.
Epp = energy proton polywell.

roughly Ebt + Epp = 2Et
6Epp = 2Et
Epp = Et/3

So the required energy of protons and electrons in this plasma is reduced by quite a bit, but not near as much as the obvious 1/5 charge ratio.

Another factor in this structured plasma is that particle energy is divided between kinetic and electric potential. In the center of the well, where the fusion reaction takes place, electrons would have peak electric potential and minimum kinetic energy. Towards the edge electrons would have peak kinetic energy and minimum electric potential. Positive ions have a reversed profile. So electron cooling from breaking radiation is of lesser importance to cooling the ions. The electrons are already cold in the region of highest ion kinetic energy.

hanelyp wrote:The electrons are already cold in the region of highest ion kinetic energy.

Severe Brem losses occur when you have hi energy electrons that are are also hi density. Since electrons in the Potential well are hi density & minimum kinetic energy it seems Brem is minimal in either region (well or edge).