Design considerations and forward modeling signal levels for a high dynamic range fusion reaction history diagnostic

A high-dynamic-range fusion reaction history measurement would offer powerful insight into the detailed dynamic evolution, energy balance, hotspot formation, and explosion of igniting fusion hotspots. We review the design principles of potential detector choices to make such a measurement. Results from a forward model using a detector similar to the existing Gamma Reaction History diagnostic, but placed farther from the target chamber and assuming an achieved signal-to-background, are shared. The results show that an optical splitter, a high-gain photomultiplier, and modest attenuation can meet the dynamic-range measurement requirements. The multichannel plate-charge limit, space-charge requirement, voltage, and multiplexing requirement can all be met for yields up to 70 MJ.