Efficient Generation of Fusion Flames Using PW-ps Laser Pulses for Ultrahigh Acceleration of Plasma Blocks by Nonlinear (Ponderomotive) Forces

Abstract

Changing the high intensity interaction time of lasers with plasma from nanosecond duration to picoseconds results in a categorically different regime. With high intensity picoseconds laser pulses, the optical energy is converted directly into kinetic energy of plasma blocks without thermal losses, without delays by collisions, and with exclusion of most of the instabilities. Following the long known theory by the nonlinear (ponderomotive) force, the plasma receives a predicted ultrahigh acceleration in agreement with measurements by Sauerbrey. Interaction of the generated plasma blocks with solid state fusion fuel should produce a side-on ignition of a Chu-Bobin fusion flame. Using hydrodynamics with separate electron and ion fluids, detailed properties can be studied about shock generation, including the varying velocity of the flame fronts far . Results from recent computations confirm how the collective nonthermal nonlinear force driven plasma interactions are causing only marginal electron heating.