Laser-fusion experiments utilizing a 4. pi. illumination system

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.324692· OSTI ID:5084815

Storm, E K; Swain, J E; Ahlstrom, H G; Boyle, M J; Rupert, V C; Phillion, D W

A focusing system which utilizes two f/0.47 doublets in conjunction with ellipsoidal mirrors produces two focusing cones with half-angles of 81.5/sup 0/. This system has been used with the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Janus 1.06-..mu..m laser to irradiate and implode DT-filled glass microshells of approx.70 ..mu..m diameter. The purpose of the system was to provide more uniform heating of the pusher and more uniform compression of the DT fuel than had been obtained when irradiating targets using f/1 lenses. Neutron yields of approx.10/sup 7/ per event have been obtained at power levels of approx.0.4 TW. X-ray micrographs show that improved uniformity of heating and implosion sphericity are achieved. Data are also presented which add further confirmation of the importance of absorption by plasma wave resonance for non-normal incidence of the laser light on the target surface.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550
• OSTI ID: 5084815
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 49:3; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
ABSORPTION
EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION
ENERGY ABSORPTION
FOCUSING
GLASS
HEATING
IMPLOSIONS
IRRADIATION
LASER FUSION REACTORS
LASER IMPLOSIONS
LASER RADIATION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
MICROSPHERES
NEUTRON EMISSION
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
PLASMA
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA WAVES
RADIATIONS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS