High-Performance Layered DT Capsule Implosions in Depleted Uranium Hohlraums on the NIF

ORAL

Abstract

We report on the first layered DT capsule implosions in depleted uranium (DU) hohlraums driven with a high-foot pulse shape. High-foot implosions have demonstrated improved resistance to hydrodynamic instabilities. [Hurricane et al., Nature {\bf 506}, 343 (2014)]. DU hohlraums provide a higher albedo and thus an increased drive equivalent to 25 TW extra laser power at the peak of the drive compared to Au hohlraums. Additionally, we observe an improved implosion shape closer to round which indicates enhanced drive from the waist. As a result, these first high-foot DU experiments achieved total neutron yields approaching 10$^{16}$ neutrons where more than 50\% of the yield was due to additional heating of alpha particles stopping in the DT fuel.

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Authors

  • T. Doeppner

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • O.A. Hurricane

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Debra Callahan

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • D.T. Casey

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • T. Ma

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Nat'l Lab, LLNL

  • Hye-Sook Park

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • L. Benedetti

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL

  • E.L. Dewald

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • T.R. Dittrich

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore Nat'l Lab

  • D. Fittinghoff

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • S. Haan

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • D.E. Hinkel

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • L.F. Berzak Hopkins

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • N. Izumi

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL

  • A. Kritcher

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • S. Le Pape

    LLNL, USA, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • A. Pak

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • P.K. Patel

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • H.F. Robey

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • B.A. Remington

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • J.D. Salmonson

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Nat'l Lab

  • P.T. Springer

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • K. Widmann

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • F. Merrill

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • C. Wilde

    Los Alamos National Laboratory