Work

Perspectives in laser-driven inertial fusion reactor system

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: For the first time in any fusion approach, a target gain greater than one was achieved on 5 December 2022 at the National Ignition Facility using lasers in an indirect drive configuration. This breakthrough has been repeated seven times since, making fusion a possibility rather than a concept. Inertial fusion for energy production and power plant design is now gaining credibility. In this paper, we present a historical overview of major discoveries that brought this momentum. We detail the fundamental principles of these reactors, emphasizing the key challenges and obstacles in their development. We analyze various reactor figures of merit and discuss different hydro-scaled target designs, exploring different ignition schemes.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/5.0266860

Authors: X. Ribeyre, H. Chesneau, H. Besaucèle, J. Néauport, A. Casner

Institutions: CEA CESTA, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives

Language: English

Topic: Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350