Developing a platform to enable higher input parameters in magnetized liner inertial fusion

Magneto-inertial fusion concepts utilize magnetic fields in imploding targets to reduce thermal conduction losses and relax fuel areal density requirements. In MagLIF [Slutz, et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)], an axial B-field is applied to a cm-scale beryllium liner containing fusion fuel. A kJ-class, few-ns laser preheats the fuel, and current from the Z machine drives the implosion. Performance is sensitive to the B-field, preheat energy, and load current, and significant improvements have been observed when all input parameters are increased together [Gomez, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 155002 (2020)]. In early experiments these input parameters were 10 T, 0.5-1 kJ, and 16-18 MA, and subsequent efforts have increased them to 16 T, 1-1.4 kJ, 20 MA. Further platform development is underway with the goal of 20-21 T, 2-2.5 kJ, and 21 MA. To achieve these parameters, the applied B-field coil configuration has been updated, an improved cryogenic target was developed, and the transmission line and target geometry was modified. Individual tests of these improvements are in progress. Longer term goals include integrating these increases simultaneously and continued improvements to individual components. *SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525