Numerical Simulation of Radiation-driven Targets for Light-ion Inertial Confinement Fusion

Abstract

Light ion beam inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a concept in which intense beams of low atomic number ions would be used to drive ICF targets to ignition and gain. Here, results from numerical simulations are presented describing the operation of an indirect-drive light-ion ICF target designed for a commercial power plant application. The simulations indicate that the ICF target, consisting of an X-ray-driven capsule embedded in a spherical foam-filled hohlraum, will produce a fusion energy output of over 500 MJ when driven with lithium ion beams containing a total input energy of 8 MJ.