No abstract available

[en] Neutron diagnostics are being developed to characterize the implosions performed with the Phebus laser, operating at 5 kJ blue light delivered in 1.3 ns. For measuring the glass pusher areal density, (ρΔR), of the target, a silicon radiochemistry diagnostic has been implemented and is currently being used. The diagnostic and its performance are described. Pusher areal density measurements, (ρΔR) and calculated values of fuel density are given. Deuterium (D)-tritium (T) final densities as high as 100 x D-T liquid density (20 g/cm³) have been achieved. (author)

[en] The study of the ionic spectra deduced from an H.D. code has been done in the case of a 50 ps F.W.H.M. laser. The shape of the spectrum is very sensitive to the energy deposit and particularly to the preheating ratio and the thermal flux limitation

[en] In order to show the importance of the international collaboration, the world progress in inertial confinement fusion is briefly reviewed setting particular attention on the Japanese efforts: direct drive target, indirect drive target, simulation analysis, and future prospects. The key issue for the next step is to set short wavelength lasers of mega-joule level as drivers to attain the high pellet gain required for a fusion reactor. Then the development of the reactor driver is the most crucial theme for the realization of an IFE reactor. 6 figs., 11 refs., 1 tab

[en] A model for the physics of exploding pusher targets is presented which compares favorably with the predictions of the complex simulation code, LASNEX

[en] Theoretical simulations of D.T. filled plastic coated glass microballoons imploded with 50 ps and 200 ps. laser pulses are presented. Results are compared with experimental data and tentatively interpreted in terms of transition from explosive pusher towards ablation regimes

[en] Various studies are conducted in order to obtain laser targets in agreement with theoretical design. The simple microballoon is a basic element prepared in the laboratory by using dried gel or liquid droplet. Selected microspheres containing a given pressure of D.T. gas are routinely prepared for implosion experiments. Several coating techniques are available to achieve with density layers in the range 20 - 5.10^-2 g.cm^-3. Sputtering in radiofrequency is well suited for high-Z materials like gold, nickel, silicon, aluminium whereas low pressure discharge is appropriate for plastics deposition. Finally freeze-drying techniques to produce low density foams give good results, between 5 - 3.10^-2 g.cm^-3 and coat microspheres. In addition micro-machining using laser beam or electrical discharge is operative for cutting and drilling microscopic elements. For special fabrication of plane targets, microcircuit thin film technology is under development

[en] Implosions of D.T. filled microballoons with laser facility Octal (0,5 - 1 TW) are related. Experimental results with 50, 200 and 600 ps laser pulses are compared and give evidences of an implosion regime modification when increasing the pulse duration

[en] A brief overview of experiments with direct- and indirect-drive targets carried out in the Iskra-4 and Iskra-5 laser devices during last two years is presented. Recently developed diagnostic techniques are described

[en] Highlights are presented of the meeting sponsored by the Optical Society of America and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in conjunction with the Conference on Laser and Electro-Optical systems. The use of electron beams, ion beams, and laser beams as fusion drivers is discussed. Some recent developments in the field are described