Modeling high-yield magnetized implosions on the National Ignition Facility

Current experiments taking place at the National Ignition Facility are using magnetic fields of ~26 T to pre-magnetize indirectly driven gas filled capsules (symcaps) [1]. Reduction of thermal conduction due to these fields has been observed to enhance ion temperature (Ti) and neutron yield. Simulations of these experiments show that Ti is likely to be enhanced by ~1 keV and yields by a factor of ~2. Application of magnetic fields to high-yield cryogenic capsules, such as the recent NIF record yield shot, could lead to significant enhancements to fusion energy output. Simulations have been carried out using ‘Chimera’ a 3D radiation-magnetohydrodynamics code to investigate key physics questions relating to these experiments. These include changes to shock propagation and implosion shape; the impact of fields on hotspot ignition, including alpha particle magnetization; and the possible impact of magnetic fields on burn propagation in ICF capsules.

[1] Moody et al, submitted (2022)