Unique application of high energy density plasmas for nuclear astrophysics experiments

Thermonuclear reaction rates and nuclear processes have traditionally been explored by means of accelerator experiments, which are difficult to execute at conditions relevant to stellar or big bang nucleosynthesis. High energy density (HED) plasmas generated using lasers, e.g., such as the inertial confinement fusion platform at the NIF and OMEGA laser facilities, more closely mimic astrophysical environments in several ways, including with thermal distributions of reacting ions as opposed to mono-energetic ions impinging on a cold target; stellar-relevant plasma temperatures and densities; and neutron flux densities not found anywhere else on earth. This contribution will present an overview of the opportunities provided by this platform, highlight some initial and ongoing nuclear astrophysics-relevant results, and discuss future directions.