The Shock-Augmented Ignition Approach to Laser Inertial Fusion

ORAL

Abstract

Shock-Augmented Ignition1 (SAI) is a new Laser Inertial Fusion concept which seeks to tread an optimal middle ground between Central Hotspot Ignition2 and Shock Ignition3. By employing a dip in laser-power followed by a rapid rise, simulations indicate that for direct drive implosions, SAI enables the generation of a strong shock without the high laser intensity conventionally thought to be required for shock ignition. This in turn enables higher fusion energy-gain at a lower implosion velocity.

Our work shows that SAI should also be beneficial for indirect drive, although due to the limited rise rate in the radiation temperature, the physics is somewhat different. According to simulations the power dip results in higher yield with more stable implosions which also increase the yield over clean. In addition, the power dip reduces the impact of the ‘n+1’ shock.

In this talk I will discuss the Shock-Augmented Ignition concept, results from simulations, and experiments performed on both the National Ignition Facility, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Omega laser facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.



1 Scott et al, Physical Review Letters, (2022).

2 Nuckolls et al, Nature, (1972).

3 Betti et al, Physical Review Letters (2007).

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Publication: Scott et al, Physical Review Letters, (2022).

Presenters

  • Robbie H Scott

    STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Authors

  • Robbie H Scott

    STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

  • Duncan Barlow

    STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

  • William Thomas Trickey

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

  • Kristen Churnetski

    University of Rochester

  • Matthew Khan

    University of York

  • Ryan C Nora

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Alex Zylstra

    Pacific Fusion, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Arun Nutter

    University of York

  • Calum Freeman

    University of York

  • Luca Scott

    University of York

  • Roberto Claudio Mancini

    University of Nevada, Reno

  • Kevin Glize

    Rutherford Appleton Lab

  • L John J Perkins

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Jay David Salmonson

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Darwin D Ho

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Sean P Regan

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

  • Christian Stoeckl

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, University of Rochester

  • Vladimir A Smalyuk

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Otto L Landen

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Wolfgang Theobald

    Focused Energy, Focused Energy GmbH, University of Rochester

  • Jason Clapp

    University of Nevada, Reno

  • Riccardo Betti

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energy, Rochester, NY, USA.

  • Nigel C Woolsey

    University of York