Progress of Rugby Hohlraum Experiments on Omega

The rugby hohlraum concept is predicted to enable better coupling and higher gains in the indirect drive approach to ignition [1-2]. A collaborative experimental program is currently pursued on OMEGA to test this concept in preparation for future megajoule-scale ignition designs [3]. A direct comparison of gas-filled rugby hohlraums with classical cylinders was recently performed, showing a significant (up to $\sim $40{\%}) observed x-ray drive enhancement and neutron yields that are consistently higher in the rugby case. This work extends and confirms our previous findings in empty rugby hohlraums [4-6]. [1] M. VandenBoomgaerde et al., Phys. Rev. Letters 99, 065004 (2007) [2] P. Amendt et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 056312 (2007). [3] S. Laffite and P. Loiseau, Phys. Plasmas 17, 102704 (2010). [4] F. Philippe et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 035004 (2010). [5] H. Robey et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056313 (2010). [6] C.K. Li et al., Science 327, 1231 (2010).