Z-Pinch Requirements for Achieving High Yield Fusion Via A Z-Pinch Driven, Double Ended Hohlraum Concept

Abstract

Using two-dimensional (2D), radiation magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD) numerical simulations, we have designed a feasible z-pinch radiation source that ignites a high yield fuel capsule in a z-pinch driven, double ended hohlraum concept. The z-pinch is composed of nested beryllium (Be) shells and a coaxial, cylindrical foam converter. The z-pinch is designed to produce a shaped radiation pulse that compresses a capsule by a sequence of three shocks without significant entropy increase. We present results of simulations pertaining to the z-pinch design, and discuss conditions that must be achieved in the z-pinch to ensure production of the required radiation pulse.