Fabrication of high-gain inertial fusion targets using gas jet cooling and intensity-graded laser illumination

Journal Article · Wed Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.338942· OSTI ID:6680053

Kim, K; Krahn, D L

A new method, which is particularly suitable for fabricating a uniformly thick solid- or liquid-fuel layer inside an inertial confinement fusion target, is described. The method employs a cold helium-gas-jet shower to uniformly cool a target and an intensity-graded laser illumination to create a desired thermal gradient across the target. The net result is a thermally induced fuel migration inside the target, which precisely counterbalances the gravity-induced fuel sagging, bringing about a uniform layer of fuel condensate on the target interior. This new method is significant for the following reasons: First, it allows for fabrication of both solid- and liquid-fuel layers. Second, it is a noncontact method. Third, it requires either none or very little cryogenic shielding. Fourth, it is simple to implement. Fifth, it allows for easy diagnostic access to the target. Details of the apparatus and results showing the capabilities of the method are presented.

• Research Organization: Fusion Technology/Charged Particle Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, 1406 W. Green Steet, Urbana, Illinois 61801
• OSTI ID: 6680053
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 61:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
LASER TARGETS
FABRICATION
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS
CONDENSATES
JETS
LASER RADIATION
LAYERS
MICROSPHERES
THERMONUCLEAR FUELS
CONFINEMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FUEL SYSTEMS
FUELS
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
RADIATIONS
TARGETS
700205* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Fuel
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700208 - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Inertial Confinement Technology