Abstract Details
Abstracts
Author: Mark C Herrmann
Requested Type: Pre-Selected Invited
Submitted: 2019-03-21 08:56:59
Co-authors: the NIF Team
Contact Info:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
PO Box 808 L-580
Livermore, CA 94550
USA
Abstract Text:
The National Ignition Facility (NIF), at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is the world’s most energetic laser and it has been in routine operation since 2009. NIF consists of 192 beams that can deliver over 1.8 MJ of ultraviolet energy in a few nanoseconds into targets much smaller than a cm3. The deposition of this energy in a small volume creates extreme radiation environments and large pressures in materials. These very large pressures and radiation environments can be used to create high energy density plasmas with unique properties. Experiments on NIF have been used to explore the behavior of these extreme plasmas and their possible application to a number of interesting scientific questions. NIF also has the goal of obtaining thermonuclear fusion ignition in the laboratory by using x-rays to compress fusion fuel to extreme conditions. In this talk, I will provide an overview of many of the plasma physics issues being studied on the National Ignition Facility, and some open scientific challenges. I will also discuss recent progress in inertial confinement fusion and talk about the challenges and opportunities for future research.
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