Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science (OxCHEDS)

Abstract:

The Fast Ignition Program in the United States has enjoyed increased funding in various forms from the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences of the Department of Energy. The program encompasses experiments on large laser facilities at various world-wide locations, and benefits enormously from collaborations with many international scientists. The program includes exploratory work in cone-target design and implosion dynamics, high electron current transport measurements in normal density materials, development of diagnostics for heating measurements, generation of protons from shaped targets, theoretical work on high gain target designs, and extensive modeling development using PIC and hybrid codes.

Abstract:

Isochoric heating by electrons has been measured in the two limiting cases of small area thin foils with dominant refluxing and cone-long-wire geometry with negligible refluxing in the wire. Imaging of Cu K alpha fluorescence, crystal x-ray spectroscopy of Cu K shell emission, and XUV imaging at 68eV and 256eV are discussed. Laser power on target was typically 0.5 PW in 0.7ps. Heating by focused proton beams generated at the concave inside surface of a hemi-shell and from a sub hemi-shell inside a 30 degrees cone has been studied with the same diagnostic methods plus imaging of proton induced K alpha. Conversion efficiency to protons has been measured and modeled. Conclusions from the experiments, links to theoretical understanding and relevance to fast ignition are outlined.

Abstract:

A first set of shock propagation, laser-plasma interaction, hohlraum energetics and hydrodynamic experiments have been performed using the first 4 beams of the National Ignition Facility (NIF), in support of indirect drive Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) and High Energy Density Physics.