FPN04-70

NIF Ignition Prospects Enhanced

October 29, 2004

A new point design has been adopted for ignition target capsules for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Computer simulations show significantly greater resistance to hydrodynamic instabilities in the new designs, allowing almost an order of magnitude relaxation on specifications for surface roughness over previous designs. Furthermore, the enhanced hydrodynamic stability opens the possibility of in-situ filling of the capsule with the DT fusion fuel using a small tube, a significant simplification in the capsule filling and fielding process. Details of the advance are posted at http://www.llnl.gov/nif/icf/icfpubs/highlights/04_may_jun.pdf

LLNL has completed a plan for accelerating the date for attempting to achieve ignition on NIF. That plan will be presented by John Lindl of LLNL at the Fusion Power Associates 25-year Anniversary Meeting and Symposium, The Fusion Energy Option, December 13 in Gaithersburg, MD. Registration information is posted at http://fusionpower.org/RegistrationForm.html