Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Preparation and Reactivity of Gasless Nanostructured Energetic Materials
Published on: April 2, 2015
Generalized measurable ignition criterion for inertial confinement fusion
P Y Chang1, R Betti, B K Spears
1Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA.
Abstract:
A multidimensional measurable criterion for central ignition of inertial-confinement-fusion capsules is derived. The criterion accounts for the effects of implosion nonuniformities and depends on three measurable parameters: the neutron-averaged total areal density (rhoR(n)(tot)), the ion temperature (T(n)), and the yield over clean (YOC=ratio of the measured neutron yield to the predicted one-dimensional yield). The YOC measures the implosion uniformity. The criterion can be approximated by chi=(rhoR(n)(tot))(0.8) x (T(n)/4.7)(1.7)YOC(mu)>1 (where rhoR is in g cm(-2), T in keV, and mu approximately 0.4-0.5) and can be used to assess the performance of cryogenic implosions on the NIF and OMEGA. Cryogenic implosions on OMEGA have achieved chi approximately 0.02-0.03.
Related Concept Videos
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Nuclear Fusion
A helium nucleus has a mass that is 0.7% less than that of four hydrogen nuclei; this lost mass is converted into energy during the fusion. This reaction produces about...
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
Nuclear Fission
Design Example: Automobile Ignition System
One can generate a large voltage using a car battery of 12 volts with the help of inductors. Inductors are known for opposing rapid...
Combustion Energy: A Measure of Stability in Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
