Theory of fast electron transport for fast ignition

Abstract

Fast Ignition Inertial Confinement Fusion is a variant of inertial fusion in\nwhich DT fuel is first compressed to high density and then ignited by a\nrelativistic electron beam generated by a fast (< 20 ps) ultra-intense laser\npulse, which is usually brought in to the dense plasma via the inclusion of a\nre-entrant cone. The transport of this beam from the cone apex into the dense\nfuel is a critical part of this scheme, as it can strongly influence the\noverall energetics. Here we review progress in the theory and numerical\nsimulation of fast electron transport in the context of Fast Ignition.\nImportant aspects of the basic plasma physics, descriptions of the numerical\nmethods used, a review of ignition-scale simulations, and a survey of schemes\nfor controlling the propagation of fast electrons are included. Considerable\nprogress has taken place in this area, but the development of a robust,\nhigh-gain FI `point design' is still an ongoing challenge.\n