Chunk mixing implosion experiments using deuterated foam capsules with gold dopant.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion
• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Laser-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) relies on imploding capsules to achieve fusion conditions.
• Understanding capsule material effects on implosion dynamics is crucial for optimizing ICF performance.
• Deuterated foam (CDF) capsules are investigated for their potential in fusion energy research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gold (Au) dopant concentration on CDF capsule implosion performance.
• To analyze the effects of micrometer and atomic Au dopants on neutron yield, hotspot size, and emission.
• To elucidate the influence of Au dopants on the implosion dynamics and thermodynamic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Implosion experiments conducted on the Shenguang laser facility using CDF capsules.
• Three capsule types tested: undoped, micrometer Au dopant, and atomic Au dopant.
• Measurements included neutron yields, hotspot size, emission intensity, and time-resolved emissions.
• One-dimensional simulations performed to model implosion dynamics and thermodynamic conditions.

Main Results:

• Undoped CDF capsules achieved the highest neutron yield and largest hotspot size at peak emission.
• Capsules with micrometer or atomic Au dopant exhibited significantly reduced neutron yield and hotspot size.
• Time-resolved hotspot emissions displayed distinct behaviors correlating with the presence and form of Au dopant.

Conclusions:

• Gold (Au) dopants negatively affect CDF capsule implosion performance, reducing neutron yield and hotspot characteristics.
• The concentration and form of Au dopant play a critical role in modifying implosion dynamics.
• Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms by which Au dopants influence ICF.