Feature issue introduction: laser driven inertial confinement fusion and bridging the gaps to inertial fusion energy systems

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EDT 2026 · Optics Express

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.599222· OSTI ID:3028327

Hurricane, O. A. ^[1]; Di Nicola, J.-M. G. ^[1]; Froula, D. H. ^[2]; Häfner, C. L. ^[3]; Obenschain, S. P. ^[4]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. University of Rochester, NY (United States)
3. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and RWTH Aachen University, München (Germany)
4. LaserFusionX, Springfield, VA (United States)

Major fusion research milestones have been achieved using laser driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in recent years, and these successes have ignited tremendous enthusiasm for inertial fusion energy (IFE). However, the complexity and difficulty of obtaining fusion ignition with a laser driver in a research setting are often underappreciated, as are the gaps to high driver efficiency, high repetition rates, and laser and target durability requirements needs for IFE. On the academic side, several new research laser systems have been constructed over the past few years, enabling researchers to probe the limits of ICF physics and engineering. This feature issue highlights the challenges and capabilities of laser research and development targeted towards advancing IFE.

• Research Organization: University of Rochester, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344; NA0004144; SC0021032; SC0024863
• OSTI ID: 3028327
• Journal Information: Optics Express, Journal Name: Optics Express Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 34; ISSN 1094-4087
• Publisher: Optica Publishing Group
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English