Numerical studies of laser-driven ablation

Abstract

The one-dimensional Lagrangian fluid code MEDUSA has been used to study the process of laser-driven ablation for a variety of irradiances and laser wavelengths. Values are given for physically important parameters such as ablation pressure and coronal temperature as a function of wavelength and irradiance. The effect of changing the physical assumptions in MEDUSA is discussed and appropriate comparison is made with analytic models. Within the limitations of the numerical model an attempt is made to deduce optimal values of laser wavelength and irradiance for inertially confined fusion targets.