Direct ignition of inertial fusion targets by a laser-plasma ion stream

Abstract

This paper outlines the theoretical direct-ignition model of the pre-compressed thermonuclear material of an inertial fusion target under the action of a high-power pulse of light ions from a laser plasma. It is shown that plasma streams with parameters required for the ignition can be obtained from a plane target-generator, located separately from the fusion target upon its fast thermal explosion driven by a high-power laser pulse. This method of direct ignition implies the use of a fusion target whose design provides the supply of the igniting driver energy to the compressed thermonuclear material. This target may be a cylindrical target with partially open ends or a spherical target with one or two conic openings.