Direct-drive laser fusion: Status and prospects

TLDR

Techniques to improve laser focal uniformity, reduce Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and suppress laser–plasma instabilities have enabled three direct‑drive ignition target designs. Ongoing evaluations suggest some designs could reach gains above 100, and two laser systems have been proposed that may satisfy all fusion‑reactor requirements.

Abstract

Techniques have been developed to improve the uniformity of the laser focal profile, to reduce the ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and to suppress the various laser–plasma instabilities. There are now three direct-drive ignition target designs that utilize these techniques. An evaluation of these designs is still ongoing. Some of them may achieve the gains above 100 that are necessary for a fusion reactor. Two laser systems have been proposed that may meet all of the requirements for a fusion reactor.