Laser Fusion Program at Los Alamos

The Laser Fusion Program at Los Alamos is pursuing the development of high-energy carbon dioxide gas lasers for the demonstration of scientific feasibility of laser fusion in 1984. The short pulse, high-energy carbon dioxide laser is the most advanced laser candidate for a fusion reactor system. It has a demonstrated efficiency of over 2% in a system that delivers over a kilojoule, and because it uses a gaseous laser medium, is capable of being designed to operate at the high repetition rates which will be required. The Helios laser which became operational at Los Alamos in April 1978, will permit extensive experimentation on achieving the very high fuel compressions needed for laser fusion. A vigorous experimental program, coupled with theoretical design and target fabrication efforts, supports our progress toward the breakeven milestone and near-term military application experiments. A broadly based systems group provides guidance on problem areas which need to be addressed for the future