Publications

Hot dense capsule implosions driven by [Formula presented]-pinch x rays have been measured using a [Formula presented] dynamic hohlraum to implode 1.7–2.1 mm diameter gas-filled CH capsules. The capsules absorbed up to [Formula presented] of x rays. Argon tracer atom spectra were used to measure the [Formula presented] electron temperature and the [Formula presented] electron density. Spectra from multiple directions provide core symmetry estimates. Computer simulations agree well with the peak emission values of [Formula presented], [Formula presented], and symmetry, indicating reasonable understanding of the hohlraum and implosion physics. © 2004 The American Physical Society.

Abstract not provided.

Inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions absorbing up to 35 kJ of x-rays from a {approx}220 eV dynamic hohlraum on the Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories have produced thermonuclear D-D neutron yields of (2.6 {+-} 1.3) x 10{sup 10}. Argon spectra confirm a hot fuel with Te {approx} 1 keV and n{sub e} {approx} (1-2) x 10{sup 23} cm{sup -3}. Higher performance implosions will require radiation symmetry control improvements. Capsule implosions in a {approx}70 eV double-Z-pinch-driven secondary hohlraum have been radiographed by 6.7 keV x-rays produced by the Z-beamlet laser (ZBL), demonstrating a drive symmetry of about 3% and control of P{sub 2} radiation asymmetries to {+-}2%. Hemispherical capsule implosions have also been radiographed in Z in preparation for future experiments in fast ignition physics. Z-pinch-driven inertial fusion energy concepts are being developed. The refurbished Z machine (ZR) will begin providing scaling information on capsule and Z-pinch in 2006. The addition of a short pulse capability to ZBL will enable research into fast ignition physics in the combination of ZR and ZBL-petawatt. ZR could provide a test bed to study NIF-relevant double-shell ignition concepts using dynamic hohlraums and advanced symmetry control techniques in the double-pinch hohlraum backlit by ZBL.