Study on the frontal condition for continuous phase plate in inertial confinement fusion driver

Abstract

Optimal placement for continuous phase plate （CPP） in terminal optical system of the Inertial Confinement Fusion （ICF） driver has been studied. Based on non-linear perturbation and transmitting theory of high power laser, the optical characteristics in near and far fields as well as third harmonic conversion efficiency after passing throngh the frequency conversion system has been calculated. As a result, the third harmonic conversion efficiency and optical characteristics of the emergent light beam are influenced by the CPP which is placed before the frequency conversion system. But if the diameter of the round focal spot in far field is smaller than 05 mm, the decline of the third harmonic conversion efficiency and the rise of contrast ratio are within permitted range, the shape of focal spot in far field and the encircled energy of focal spot also accord with the design requirement at the same time. The CPP which enables small focal spot in far field, when located in the beam path of fundamental frequency of ICF system to smooth and shape the light beam, will not exert influence on the normal running of ICF system.