Laser Fusion Energy and the Fusion Test Facility
Author: John D Sethian
Requested Type: Consider for Invited
Submitted: 2006-11-28 10:08:53
Co-authors: S.P. Obenschain
Contact Info:
Naval Research Laboratory
Coe 6733
Washington, DC 20375-1
USA
Abstract Text:
The development of an attractive, dependable, economically viable fusion energy source requires close coupling between the science, the technology, and the requirements of the final application. This statement, while self evident, is the key to developing any new technology. From it follows two corollaries: First: the science and technology of the key components must be developed together to ensure they work as a coherent, integrated system. Second: innovation and invention are required to develop the simplest and most robust technologies needed for a successful “real world” system.
We have adopted this business model for developing a fusion energy source based on lasers and direct drive targets. Work is carried out through the High Average Power Laser (HAPL) program and the NRL laser Fusion Program. Two lasers are under development, diode pumped solid state lasers and krypton fluoride gas lasers. Both have demonstrated repetitive (2.5-10 Hz) operation for long duration (>10,000 shot) runs. The targets are straightforward direct drive targets that can be readily fabricated and injected, and require no preferred direction of illumination. These designs (2D, fully resolving all modes) show that with laser energies of 2.5 MJ, we can realize target gains of 160. This is more than adequate for a power plant. Significant progress has been made in other areas, including: final optics, target fabrication, target injection and tracking, and chamber first wall, and blanket technologies.
Building on these results, we have proposed a staged program in which the stage before building a power plant is the Fusion Test Facility (FTF). This high rep-rate (~ 5 Hz) facility builds upon and extend the target physics underpinnings provided by large single-shot ICF facilities such as Nike, Omega, and NIF. The key to the FTF is a new class of target designs that suggest substantial gains (~ 60) with KrF laser energies of 500 kJ. These designs, which were first developed by NRL and have been confirmed by LLNL, open the door for a system that can accomplish the mission of the FTF at significantly lower cost and risk.
That mission is four fold: demonstrate the target physics, demonstrate the key technologies work together with the required precision, rep-rate, and durability, develop neutron resistant materials, components and structures for both MFE and IFE, and provide a platform for operational experience with a working fusion system. The FTF could become operational in 2019, and would be the incentive for utilities to invest in follow on power plants.
This talk will discuss the technical progress in laser fusion energy, the philosophy and rationale for the FTF program, and the opportunities for R&D for fellow fusion researchers.
Over sixty scientists and engineers, from more than 25 institutions, are responsible for this progress.
Characterization: B2,B5
Comments:
Would like 25 minites to get this message out.
