Two-dimensional relativistic Fokker-Planck model for core plasma heating in fast ignition targets

Abstract

One of the key issues in the fast ignition scheme is a clarification of the imploded dense core heating by laser-produced fast electrons. To investigate the core heating process, a two-dimensional relativistic Fokker-Planck code “RFP-2D” for fast electron behavior in dense core plasmas has been developed. Energy loss of fast electrons due to Coulomb interactions is treated through not only usual short-range binary collisions but also long-range binary collisions, including a collective shielding effect. After describing the physics model, an examination is made of the energy deposition of fast electrons injected into a highly compressed D-T cylindrical plasma. The relative importance of the long-range Coulomb interaction and the influence of a self-generated electromagnetic field on the energy deposition profile are demonstrated.