A MODEL FOR THE CONVERSION OF ION-BEAM ENERGY INTO THERMAL-RADIATION

A model is proposed for calculating the efficiency of conversion of the energy of charged-particle beams into thermal radiation. The model is based on a simplified system of radiation hydrodynamics equations and applies to optically thick converters with high conversion efficiencies eta(c) > 0.5. In the case of planar geometry, a self-similar solution of the model equations is obtained. This solution is used to derive a scaling law for the beam parameters required for efficient performance of planar radiative converters. A comparison of converter materials with different Z reveals that preference should be given to low-Z elements.