Laser fusion: theory, experiments, and target design

In an integrated program of theory, target experiments, and target design, we are establishing a fundamental understanding of laser-target interactions, particularly of the relevant plasma physics and hydrodynamics. Both the experimental and the theoretical efforts have concentrated on studying the wavelength-dependence of laser-plasma interactions. The close coupling of theory and experiment has made it possible to eliminate theories that are not supported by experiment. In general, basic studies of laser-plasma interactions have shown that the design difficulties associated with long wavelengths are less severe than believed earlier, and that breakeven target designs are attainable even in the presence of a hot-electron spectrum. These results have given us new confidence that significant yield can be obtained from more efficient, less expensive CO2 lasers