Hot-spot model for ICF implosions with an applied magnetic field

Applying an external magnetic field to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions can significantly suppress hot-spot thermal losses, resulting in increased hot-spot temperatures and enhanced fusion yield. Recent NIF Symcap experiments with an applied 26 T magnetic field have demonstrated a 40% increase in hot-spot temperature and a 2–3× boost in fusion yield. We present a novel magnetized hot-spot model [Spiers et al., Phys. Plasmas, 2025] that incorporates two-dimensional Braginskii anisotropic heat conduction within the hot spot and its influence on hot-spot dynamics. The model shows that magnetized heat flow alters the temperature profile and reduces thermal losses from the hot spot. It is in good agreement with temperature measurements from the NIF magnetized Symcap implosions. We also discuss how this model can be extended to igniting (layered) implosions, where compressed magnetic field geometry and magnetized alpha-particle transport become important considerations.