Feature issue introduction: laser driven inertial confinement fusion and bridging the gaps to inertial fusion energy systems

Optics Express, vol. 34, pp. 13281

Abstract

Major fusion research milestones have been achieved using laser driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in recent years, and these successes have ignited tremendous enthusiasm for inertial fusion energy (IFE). However, the complexity and difficulty of obtaining fusion ignition with a laser driver in a research setting are often underappreciated, as are the gaps to high driver efficiency, high repetition rates, and laser and target durability requirements needs for IFE. On the academic side, several new research laser systems have been constructed over the past few years, enabling researchers to probe the limits of ICF physics and engineering. This feature issue highlights the challenges and capabilities of laser research and development targeted towards advancing IFE.

Authors 5

1. O. A. Hurricane
2. J.-M. G. Di Nicola
3. D. H. Froula

   University of Rochester

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Rochester

4. C. L. Hafner Aachen Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and

   Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and RWTH Aachen University

5. S. P. Obenschain
   Affiliation as printed

   LaserFusionX