Energy Principles of Scientific Breakeven in an Inertial Fusion Experiment
Fusion “scientific breakeven” (i.e., unity target gain Gtarget, total fusion energy out > laser energy input) has been achieved for the first time (here, Gtarget ~ 1.5). This Letter reports on the physics principles of the design changes that led to the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce target gain greater than unity and exceeded the previously obtained conditions needed for ignition by the Lawson criterion. Key elements of the success came from reducing “coast time” (the time duration between the end of the laser pulse and implosion peak compression) andmore »