Self-Consistent Modeling of Power Flow in a Recyclable Transmission Line for a $Z$-Pinch-Driven IFE System

A self-consistent imploding Z-pinch-load model is coupled to a particle-in-cell simulation to study power flow in a recyclable transmission line (RTL) for a Z-pinch-driven inertial fusion energy (IFE) system. The system is driven by a voltage wave appropriate for driving the IFE target implosion when there is no particle emission from the walls of the RTL. Models for both electron and ion emission from the RTL walls are included in the simulations to allow the study of their effects on power coupled to the load. Insight is obtained for designing an efficient IFE system which satisfies system constraints on RTL inductance and driver voltage