Mitigating fuel mix for high performance MagLIF

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) [S.A. Slutz et al. Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)] experiments driven by the Z machine produce > 10¹²DD fusion reactions [M.R. Gomez et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 155003 (2014)]. Simulations indicate much higher yields should be possible with increased drive current, fuel density, preheat energy, and applied magnetic field [S.A. Slutz et al. Phys. Plasmas 23, 022702 (2016)]. However, mixing of material from the liner or the foil covering laser entrance hole will enhance radiation losses and reduce the yield. The mix from the liner can be avoided by freezing a layer of deuterium tritium (DT) onto the inner surface of the liner. However, the vapor density at the triple point is only 0.3 mg/cc, which is not high enough for MagLIF operation. We discuss the merits of three solutions to this problem. In all of these approaches no foil is required at the laser entrance hole.