Hybrid target design for IFE

ORAL

Abstract

A “hybrid” approach to direct drive inertial confinement fusion is being co-developed by private industry, the national labs, and academia [1,2]. The target and laser driver are designed to be compatible with a fusion power plant from the outset, and to also obviate a number of common concerns (e.g., infrared preheat, laser imprint, and hydrodynamic efficiency). We will discuss the rationale(s) for the hybrid target, the methods used to control implosion symmetry, and the expectations for gain as they relate to commercial energy.

[1] C. Galloway and A. Valys, “IFE pilot plant with a low-cost, high-energy excimer driver and the HYLIFE concept,” Submitted to Office of Fusion Energy Science: DE-FOA-0002809 (2022).

[2] C. Thomas et. al., “Hybrid direct drive with a two-sided ultraviolet laser”, Phys. Plasmas 31, 112708 (2024).

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Publication: [1] C. Galloway and A. Valys, "IFE pilot plant with a low-cost, high-energy excimer driver and the HYLIFE concept," Submitted to Office of Fusion Energy Science: DE-FOA-0002809 (2022).
[2] C. Thomas et. al., "Hybrid direct drive with a two-sided ultraviolet laser", Phys. Plasmas 31, 112708 (2024).

Presenters

  • Cliff A Thomas

    • University of Rochester

Authors

  • Cliff A Thomas

    • University of Rochester

  • Max Tabak

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Mark Jude Schmitt

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

  • David S Montgomery

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
    • Xcimer Energy Corporation

  • John L Kline

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

  • Neil Alexander

    • General Atomics

  • Michael Farrell

    • General Atomics

  • Edward M Campbell

    • MCM Consultants

  • Conner Galloway

    • Xcimer Energy Corporation

  • Alison Ruth Christopherson

    • Xcimer Energy Corporation

  • Alexander Valys

    • Xcimer Energy Corporation