Numerical Investigation of Laser-Imprint Mitigation in <i>Revolver</i> Ignition Designs

ORAL

Abstract

The three-shell Revolver target[1] proposed for direct-drive ignition at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) utilizes a large 6-mm beryllium shell as an ablator. This ablator will be subjected to significant levels of laser imprint arising directly from the NIF laser beams illuminating the target without sufficient laser smoothing. Initial studies[2] have indicated that such imprint can severely distort the incoming shell and lead to ignition failure. Two-dimensional simulation results, employing nonlocal electron thermal transport and cross‑beam energy transport, will be presented investigating the implementation of several laser-smoothing techniques, as well as tamper layers within the target, to evaluate their efficacy in limiting the ensuing perturbation growth.

[1] K. Molvig et al., Phys Rev. Lett. 116, 255003 (2016).

[2] P. W. McKenty et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 62, BAPS.2017.DPP.NO7.5 (2017).

*This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-NA0001944.

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Presenters

  • Patrick W McKenty

    • University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics
    • Univ of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics U. of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

Authors

  • Patrick W McKenty

    • University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics
    • Univ of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics U. of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

  • Timothy J Collins

    • Univ of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics U. of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester
    • Lab for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester

  • John A Marozas

    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
    • Univ of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics U. of Rochester
    • Lab for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester

  • E. M. M. Campell

    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics U. of Rochester
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
    • University of Rochester
    • Lab for Laser Energetics

  • Kim Molvig

    • Massachusetts Inst of Tech-MIT

  • Mark Jude Schmitt

    • Los Alamos Natl Lab
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • Los Alamos Natl Lab, Los Alamos Natl. Lab