Particle-in-cell technique with Monte Carlo collisions for plasma simulation and application to fusion

The particle-in-cell(PIC) technique [1,2,3] is a well-established computational method for the simulation of plasmas. This study will explore the potential for the PIC technique as a method of simulating plasmas which are undergoing nuclear fusion. The standard PIC framework is used, however collisions which are relevant to fusion are added using the Monte-Carlo model. The resulting neutron distribution, as well as the reaction rate for fusion events as a function of density and temperature are obtained, and compared to accepted results. The advantages and disadvantages of the PIC method for this application will be discussed.