Hot-electron deposition and implosion mechanisms within electron shock ignition

A hot-electron driven scheme can be more effective than a laser-driven scheme within suitable hot-electron energy and target density. In our one-dimensional (1D) radiation hydrodynamic simulations, 20× pressure enhancement was achieved when the ignitor laser spike was replaced with a 60-keV hot-electron spike in a shock ignition target designed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), which can lead to greater shell velocity. Higher hot-spot pressure at the deceleration phase was obtained owing to the greater shell velocity. More cold shell material is ablated into the hot spot, and it benefits the increases of the hot-spot pressure. Higher gain and a wider ignition window can be observed in the hot-electron-driven shock ignition. (paper)