Target fabrication for laser fusion research in Japan

Abstract

A review of target fabrication for laser fusion research in Japan conducted at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, the Department of Electrical Engineering, Kinki University, and the Department of Electrical Engineering, Gifu University is presented. An emulsion technique is employed to manufacture polymer spheres. Excimer laser irradiation on polystyrene shells reduces permeation of hydrogen. Irradiation of UV radiation from a Hg lamp is revealed to be useful in making CHDT shells enhancing tritium exchange rate. A polymer coating on a levitated target is achieved by excimer-laser-induced chemical vapor deposition. A new immersing and heating technique has been developed to make a cryogenic foam target. Nondestructive fuel assay for the cryogenic foam target has been made by means of β-ray attenuation. A magnetic levitation technique for laser irradiation of a support-free target is introduced.