Mass Production of Cryogenic Fuel Targets for IFE Laser Systems

Abstract

Cryogenic fuel targets (CFTs) open up the possibility for the practical implementation of in-line technologies in inertial fusion energy (IFE) systems for the production of clean fuel and electric and thermal energy. This article presents the results of a new cycle of research in the field of constructing a repeatable layering module (LM) for CFTs with high energy yield. The aim of the work is the mass production of CFTs, which is of particular scientific interest to the IFE community. The LM construction principle is based on the free-standing target (FST) method, i.e., the formation of a solid fuel layer inside free-standing and line-moving targets, proposed and developed at the Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI). This technology formed the basis of the LPI project for the development of a specialized LM for the low-cost in-line production of CFTs and their repeatable noncontact delivery to the focus of high-power laser facilities operating in a pulse-periodic mode.