Researchers at the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) have conducted groundbreaking experiments to develop an efficient “spark plug“ for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Two studies published in Nature Physics detail the results and the potential for scaling up the process to achieve fusion at a future facility.
Using the OMEGA laser, the Rochester team successfully directed 28 kilojoules of laser energy at small capsules filled with deuterium and tritium fuel, resulting in the capsules imploding and generating plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. These reactions produced more energy than the initial energy input, marking a significant achievement in the field of fusion energy.
Unlike the indirect drive approach used at the NIF, the OMEGA experiments utilize direct laser illumination of the capsule. The NIF, on the other hand, converts laser light into X-rays to drive the capsule implosion. The success of the OMEGA experiments demonstrates the potential of direct-drive methods to achieve fusion at larger scales.
Lead author of the first paper, Connor Williams ’23 Ph.D. (physics and astronomy), emphasized the importance of surpassing the internal energy content of the fusion process, stating that it is a crucial milestone for future advancements in fusion energy.
While the OMEGA experiments have shown promising implosion performance with 28 kilojoules of laser energy, the researchers are eager to explore the potential of direct-drive methods with higher energy lasers. The development of a spark plug represents a significant advancement, but further research is needed to achieve ignition.
2024-02-05 18:00:04
Link from phys.org