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Optimization algorithm gives laser fusion a boost
- A new algorithmic technique could enhance the output of fusion reactors by smoothing out the laser pulses used to compress hydrogen to fusion densities.
- An algorithm developed by physicists at the University of Bordeaux and could prove useful at other laser fusion experiments.
- A major challenge in fusion energy is keeping the fuel hot and dense enough for fusion reactions to occur.
- Direct-drive ICF is a stronger candidate for a fusion reactor as it can deliver more fusion energy per unit of laser energy.
- The researchers created a technique that uses approximations in simulations of the laser beam-plasma interactions requiring less than 1000 CPU.
- Their simulations showed that the optimized configuration should produce pressures three times higher and densities almost two times higher than in the original experiment.
- It could be adapted to other pellet geometries and facilities.
- Barlow is also applying this methodology to ensure the robust, uniform drive of targets to create a new IFE facility and eventually a power plant.
- A broader physics application would be to incorporate more laser-plasma instabilities beyond CBET.
- This technique is detailed in Physical Review Letters and is a great accelerated scheme for better evaluating laser-plasma instabilities and their impact for illumination configurations and post-shot analysis.
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