Fabrication of GA-CH Aerogels Through Solution Chemistry for Inertial Confinement Fusion

Wetted foams play a crucial role in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) at facilities including the National Ignition Facility and the Omega Laser Facility. This work focuses on the development of GA-CH aerogels, exploring advanced fabrication techniques to produce novel geometries and to optimize the microstructure of these shells. Building on prior research, we aim to assess and improve the yield of microencapsulated GA-CH capsules. Parameters that will be evaluated include aerogel density, density matching of process fluids, and the use of additives. Cure conditions will also be investigated as ways of reducing capsule non-concentricity (NC) and out-of-round (OOR). Parameters of interest include thermal profile, solution viscosities, and rotational speed. GA-CH capsule geometry and microstructure will be evaluated through optical inspection and scanning electron microscopy.



The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the development of cost-effective, high-throughput methods for fabricating GA-CH aerogel capsules, ultimately advancing the field of inertial fusion energy.



* Work supported by the US DoE under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program, General Atomics under IR&D funding