A polar direct drive liquid deuterium-tritium wetted foam target concept for inertial confinement fusion

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a new approach to Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) that could potentially lead to ignition and propagating thermonuclear burn at the National Ignition Facility (NIF).  The proposal is based upon a combination of two concepts -- Polar Direct Drive (PDD)1 and liquid deuterium-tritium wetted foam (WF) capsules2.  With this new concept, 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations indicate that ICF ignition and propagating thermonuclear burn are possible well within the laser power and energy capabilities available today on the NIF.

1.  C. B. Yeamans et al., “High Yield Polar Direct Drive Fusion Neutron Sources at the National Ignition Facility,” Nuclear Fusion 61, 046031 (2021). 

2.  R. E. Olson et al., “First Liquid Layer Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions at the National Ignition Facility,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 245001 (2016).

*Work supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program of Los Alamos National Laboratory under project number 20200765ER.

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Presenters

  • Rick E Olson

    • LANL
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

Authors

  • Rick E Olson

    • LANL
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Mark J Schmitt

    • LANL
    • Los Alamos Natl Lab
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Brian M Haines

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • LANL

  • Gregory E Kemp

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • LLNL
    • Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab

  • Charles B Yeamans

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • LLNL
    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab

  • Brent E Blue

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • LLNL

  • Derek Schmidt

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • LANL

  • Alex Haid

    • General Atomics
    • GA

  • Michael Farrell

    • GA

  • Paul A Bradley

    • Los Alamos Natl Lab
    • LANL

  • Harry F Robey

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • LANL
    • Los Alamos Natl Lab

  • Ramon J Leeper

    • LANL