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Implosion of cone-in-shell targets for direct-drive fast ignition
A Mateo1,2, J J Honrubia1,2, D A Callahan3
1Focused Energy GmbH, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany.
Physical Review. E
|May 16, 2026
Summary
Laser direct-drive fast ignition shows promise for fusion energy. Simulations indicate a copper cone design can achieve high fuel density with moderate laser energy, enabling efficient fusion energy production.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Fusion Energy
Background:
- Laser direct-drive fast ignition is a leading candidate for inertial fusion energy reactors.
- Reentrant cones are necessary for particle beams to heat compressed fuel in this scheme.
- Cone material and geometry significantly impact fuel implosion dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the implosion of reactor-scale cone-in-shell targets using laser direct-drive.
- To analyze the effects of cone geometry, material, and laser drive asymmetry on fuel compression.
- To identify optimal parameters for efficient fuel assembly and cone survivability.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations using the FLASH code.
- Analysis of various cone designs, including different materials (gold, copper, aluminum) and geometries.
- Parameter study focusing on laser drive asymmetry and its impact on implosion.
Main Results:
- Simulations revealed nonspherical fuel shapes at stagnation due to implosion dynamics.
- The cone tip is significantly affected by the implosion, with high pressures creating shock waves.
- A 30° half cone angle made of copper with a 200µm wall thickness offers a good balance for fuel assembly and cone survivability.
- Fuel compression to 400 g/cm³ is feasible with approximately 1.5 MJ of laser pulse energy.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving high fuel density for inertial fusion energy using laser direct-drive.
- Optimized cone designs, particularly copper cones, are crucial for successful implosion and efficient energy gain.
- This research supports the potential for massive energy production through laser fusion with moderate pulse energies.
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