Wavelength Scaling for Reactor-Size Laser-Fusion Targets

Abstract

The symmetric implosion of pellet shells will require sideways thermal-transport smoothing of any laser intensity nonuniformities. A scaling law shows a surprisingly strong laser wavelength dependence for this smoothing mechanism; it places a large premium on the use of longer-wavelength near-infrared lasers. This smoothing requirement conflicts with the advantages of shorter laser wavelengths for controlling deleterious plasma instabilities.