Magneto-Inertial Approach to Direct-Drive Laser Fusion
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
A magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) approach to inertial confinement fusion (ICF), based on laser-driven magnetic-flux compression (LDFC) is described. This approach benefits from both the high-energy-density characteristic to ICF and the thermal insulation of the fuel by magnetic fields, typical of MFE. The reduction in thermal-conduction losses in the hot spot of an imploding target that has trapped and amplified a pre-seeded magnetic flux leads to increased hot-spot temperatures at lower implosion velocities than required in conventional ICF. This can lead to ignition designs with larger energy gains. This work describes the main concept and the use of a compact magnetic-pulse system to seed a macroscopic magnetic field into cylindrical DD-filled targets, which are radially driven with the OMEGA laser.
- Research Organization:
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC52-92SF19460
- OSTI ID:
- 923148
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/SF/19460-803; 2007-35; 1774
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Fusion Energy, Journal Name: Journal of Fusion Energy Vol. 25; ISSN JFENDS; ISSN 0164-0313
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
An overview of magneto-inertial fusion on the Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories
Seeding magnetic fields for laser-driven flux compression in high-energy-density plasmas