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Proposed Diagnostic for Measuring Implosion Symmetry and Core Conditions on the National Ignition Facility

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
;  [1]; ; ; ; ;  [2]; ; ; ;  [3]
  1. Plasma Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)
  2. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States)
  3. Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627 (United States)

Tertiary protons with birth energies from 27 to 30.8MeV result from the implosion of ignition-scale inertial confinement fusion targets, such as those planned for the National Ignition Facility. Measurement of the tertiaries{close_quote} slowing can provide a determination of the imploded areal density of the fuel capsule, as well as information about implosion asymmetry that results from anisotropy of the areal density and plasma temperature. To determine the utility of tertiaries for all phases of ignition experiments, we analyze three representative cases: a gas capsule (0.7kJ yield), a cryogenic fuel capsule that fails to ignite (15kJ), and a cryogenic fuel capsule that ignites and burns (13000kJ). In each case, tertiaries escape from the capsule and convey critical information about implosion dynamics. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

OSTI ID:
385745
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 13 Vol. 77; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English