Progress and prospect of fast ignition of ICF targets

Fast ignition (FI) is an innovative approach to inertial confinement fusion, which has the potential for higher energy gain at lower overall driver energy and cost. If realized at full scale, it could open a route to inertial fusion energy. This paper is a brief review of basic FI concepts and the progress in FI research which has taken place in recent years. The requirements for the DT fuel and the ignitor (electron or proton beam) as well as for the laser drivers are discussed. Key issues related to electron FI and proton FI are considered. Prospects for FI-related experiments using next generation laser facilities just being constructed or designed are outlined