Dynamic high energy density plasma environments at the National Ignition Facility for nuclear science research

TLDR

The generation of dynamic high‑energy density plasmas in the pico‑ to nano‑second time domain at high‑energy laser facilities affords unprecedented nuclear science research possibilities. The NIF’s inertial confinement fusion program has created a high‑brightness neutron source, advanced diagnostics, and versatile experimental platforms that enable new investigations of nuclear processes and structural effects relevant to astrophysical conditions. The NIF’s extreme plasma conditions allow experiments on neutron capture cross‑sections, fission fragment production, ion energy loss in electron‑degenerate plasmas, and studies of plasma screening effects on thermonuclear reactivity. Improved knowledge of these plasma–nuclear interactions will advance fusion energy research and challenge current theoretical models.

Abstract

The generation of dynamic high energy density plasmas in the pico- to nano-second time domain at high-energy laser facilities affords unprecedented nuclear science research possibilities. At the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the primary goal of inertial confinement fusion research has led to the synergistic development of a unique high brightness neutron source, sophisticated nuclear diagnostic instrumentation, and versatile experimental platforms. These novel experimental capabilities provide a new path to investigate nuclear processes and structural effects in the time, mass and energy density domains relevant to astrophysical phenomena in a unique terrestrial environment. Some immediate applications include neutron capture cross-section evaluation, fission fragment production, and ion energy loss measurement in electron-degenerate plasmas. More generally, the NIF conditions provide a singular environment to investigate the interplay of atomic and nuclear processes such as plasma screening effects upon thermonuclear reactivity. Achieving enhanced understanding of many of these effects will also significantly advance fusion energy research and challenge existing theoretical models.