This article is cited in 43 papers

Interaction of laser radiation with matter. Laser plasma

Direct ignition of inertial fusion targets by a laser-plasma ion stream

S. Yu. Gus'kov

P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Abstract: This paper outlines the theoretical direct-ignition model of the pre-compressed thermonuclear material of an inertial fusion target under the action of a high-power pulse of light ions from a laser plasma. It is shown that plasma streams with parameters required for the ignition can be obtained from a plane target-generator, located separately from the fusion target upon its fast thermal explosion driven by a high-power laser pulse. This method of direct ignition implies the use of a fusion target whose design provides the supply of the igniting driver energy to the compressed thermonuclear material. This target may be a cylindrical target with partially open ends or a spherical target with one or two conic openings.

PACS: 52.50.Jm, 52.57.Bc, 52.57.Kk

Received: 28.04.2001
Revised: 13.08.2001

 English version: Quantum Electronics, 2001, 31:10, 885–890

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