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A polar direct drive liquid deuterium-tritium wetted foam target concept for inertial confinement fusion

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a new approach to Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) that could potentially lead to ignition and propagating thermonuclear burn at the National Ignition Facility (NIF).  The proposal is based upon a combination of two concepts -- Polar Direct Drive (PDD)1 and liquid deuterium-tritium wetted foam (WF) capsules2.  With this new concept, 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations indicate that ICF ignition and propagating thermonuclear burn are possible well within the laser power and energy capabilities available today on the NIF.

1.  C. B. Yeamans et al., “High Yield Polar Direct Drive Fusion Neutron Sources at the National Ignition Facility,” Nuclear Fusion 61, 046031 (2021). 

2.  R. E. Olson et al., “First Liquid Layer Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions at the National Ignition Facility,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 245001 (2016).

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Presenters

  • Rick E Olson

    LANL, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Authors

  • Rick E Olson

    LANL, Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Mark J Schmitt

    LANL, Los Alamos Natl Lab, Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Brian M Haines

    Los Alamos National Laboratory, LANL

  • Gregory E Kemp

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab

  • Charles B Yeamans

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab

  • Brent E Blue

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, LLNL

  • Derek Schmidt

    Los Alamos National Laboratory, LANL

  • Alex Haid

    General Atomics, GA

  • Michael Farrell

    GA

  • Paul A Bradley

    Los Alamos Natl Lab, LANL

  • Harry F Robey

    Los Alamos National Laboratory, LANL, Los Alamos Natl Lab

  • Ramon J Leeper

    LANL