Analysis of stability and symmetry implications for ICF

The theoretical and computational work to evaluate the design contraints that are imposed primarily by the symmetry and stability requirements on directly driven laser fusion targets are reported. Pellet gains in excess of 100 are necessary for most applications of inertial fusion. To achieve these high gains a number of critical physics elements must be controlled. These include: (1) high coupling efficiency; (2) low fuel preheat; (3) implosion symmetry; (4) implosion stability; and (5) an ignition scheme. These factors interact with each other providing conflicting requirements.