High yields in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion using thin-ice DT liner targets

Abstract

We report simulation results that suggest record neutron yields above 3×1014 can be achieved in laser-driven fusion on OMEGA by imploding large-outer-diameter targets (∼1010 μm) containing ice layers as thin as 34 μm. Historically, the performance of thin and fast capsules is thought to be highly degraded by hydrodynamic instabilities. We present pulse designs that push implosion velocities above 650 km/s while maintaining enough ablative stabilization and low enough in-flight aspect ratios to survive the acceleration phase. We show that these targets also possess improved stability during deceleration stemming from augmented core temperatures and low fuel convergence.