Progress of laser fusion research with GEKKO XII glass laser and KONGHO project for breakeven

The progress of laser fusion research is remarkable in obtaining the high density (100 times solid density) and high temperature plasma and in the understanding of the implosion physics. Thermonuclear neutrons of 1013 per shot and pellet gain of 0.2% have been achieved. The data bases of the laser fusion have been accumulated for the fusion ignition experiment and the achievement of the breakeven condition is estimated to be possible with 100 kJ blue laser. (author)