Ion Fast Ignition Research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The Ion Fast Ignition (IFI) research program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is focused on advancing the understanding of key aspects for the implementation and evaluation of IFI as a pathway for inertial fusion energy (IFE). The IFI approach separates the compression and heating phases of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) by utilizing short-pulse-laser-accelerated ions to rapidly heat the compressed fuel and initiate fusion reactions, in theory could result in higher predicted gains than conventional approaches. The focal point of the IFI program has been to work toward integrated IFI implosions at the Omega Laser Facilty and National Ignition Facility (NIF). To achieve this, experiments have focused on key issues, such as ion focusing dynamics under varying laser conditions and geometries, target degradation, and asymmetries from the cone-in-shell geometry. These experiments are supported by theory, particle-in-cell simulations, and radiation hydrodynamics codes to both design experiments and interpret results. We will provide an overview of the program’s objectives, recent results, and future directions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for ion fast ignition as a promising route toward practical fusion energy.