Scaling Double Shell Target Designs

ORAL

Abstract

Double shell inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets1 provide an alternative ignition platform utilizing volume ignition compared to hot spot ignition. The current point design uses a 1.5 MJ reverse ramp laser pulse that has been verified with multiple experiments to produce a predictable shape2,3 and computationally theorized to obtain a 1 MJ thermonuclear yield. Scaling the current double shell point design to the NIF limit of 2.2 MJ could allow for additional margin built into designs, pushing designs to higher yield in a more robust fashion. This talk will focus on the physics challenges that this higher drive could encounter. Designs for 2 MJ, 2.2 MJ, and a possible NIF upgrade to 2.6 MJ and 3 MJ will be discussed. The physics of the implosion including changes to the kinetic energy transfer, estimates of the Rayleigh-Taylor growth factors, compressed fuel volume, and pusher/fuel areal density will be focused on.

[1] D. Montgomery et al., PoP 25, 092706 (2018)

[2] R. Sacks et al., PoP 31, 062710 (2024)

[3] Z. Mohamed et al., PoP 31, 052701 (2024)

*Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by Triad National Security, LLC for the National Nuclear Security Administration of U.S. Department of Energy un- der Contract No. 89233218CNA000001. Release number LA-UR-24-26132.

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Presenters

  • Ryan F Sacks

    • LANL

Authors

  • Ryan F Sacks

    • LANL

  • Harry F Robey

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • LANL

  • Joshua Paul Sauppe

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Brian Michael Haines

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Eric N Loomis

    • Los Alamos Natl Lab
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Elizabeth Catherine Merritt

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)