Wavelength scaling for reactor-size laser fusion targets
Abstract
The symmetric implosion of pellet shells will require sideways thermal transport smoothing of any laser intensity nonuniformities. A scaling law shows a surprisingly strong laser wavelength dependence for this smoothing mechanism; it places a large premium on the use of longer wavelength near-infrared lasers. This smoothing requirement conflicts with the advantages of shorter laser wavelengths for controlling deleterious plasma instabilities.
- Publication:
-
Naval Research Lab. Report
- Pub Date:
- December 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981nrl..reptW....G
- Keywords:
-
- Implosions;
- Infrared Lasers;
- Laser Fusion;
- Pellets;
- Scaling Laws;
- Wavelengths;
- Ablation;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Stability;
- Near Infrared Radiation;
- Smoothing;
- Lasers and Masers