Driver at 10 MJ and 1 shot/30 min for inertial confinement fusion at high gain: Efficient, compact, low-cost, low laser–plasma instabilities, beam color selectable from 2ω/3ω/4ω, applicable to multiple laser fusion schemes

Abstract

The achievement of ignition at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) has prompted a global wave of further research on inertial fusion energy (IFE). However, IFE requires a target gain G of 30–100, and it is hard to achieve fusion at such high gain with the energy, configuration, and technical approach of the NIF. Here, we present a conceptual design for a next-generation laser driver that is applicable to multiple laser fusion schemes and provides 10 MJ, 2–3 PW at 3ω (or 2ω, in which case the energy and power can be higher), and one shot per 30 min, with the aim of achieving G > 30. It is also efficient, compact, and low in cost, and it has low susceptibility to laser–plasma instabilities.