On the thermal physics of focusing mirrors for the laser thermonuclear reactors

Problems arising in developing focusing mirrors for laser thermonuclear reactors are investigated. Peculiarities of mirror heating by single and regularly repeated pulses of laser, X-ray and neutron radiation are analyzed. Permissible light loadings on the mirrors are estimated. Methods for protecting mirrors against thermonuclear microexplosion products are discussed. It is concluded that the main difficulties in production of focusing mirrors for thermonuclear reactors and in assuring their service life arise in case of using micro-wave lasers and thermonuclear targets with high energy gain