Laser-driven target for fast-ignition demonstration

Abstract

The basis for the design of a direct-drive target for demonstrating inertial fusion fast ignition and burn propagation is discussed. A preliminary design of a target driven by a pulse of about 300 kJ and ignited by an ultraintense pulse of about 100 kJ is presented and illustrated by 1-D simulations of the implosion stage and 2-D simulations of ignition and burn.