Hydrodynamic assembly for Fast Ignition

POSTER

Abstract

We present directly and indirectly driven implosion designs for Fast Ignition. Directly driven designs using various laser illumination wavelengths are described. We compare these designs with simple hydrodynamic efficiency models. Capsules illuminated with less than 1 MJ of light with perfect zooming at low intensity and low contrast ratio in power can assemble 4 mg of fuel to column density in excess of 3 g/cm$^{2}$. We contrast these designs with more optimized designs that lead to Guderley-style self similar implosions. Indirectly driven capsules absorbing 75 kJ of xrays can assemble 0.7 mg to column density 2.7 g/cm$^{2}$ in 1D simulations. We describe 2-D simulations including both capsules and attached cones driven by radiation. We describe issues in assembling fuel near the cone tip and cone disruption.

*Work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by the University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract No. W-7405-Eng-48.

Authors

  • Max Tabak

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Daniel Clark

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Richard Town

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Stephen Hatchett

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory