Integrated simulation approach for laser-driven fast ignition

TL;DR

This paper introduces an integrated particle-in-cell simulation method for laser-driven fast ignition, combining separate systems for particle generation and transport to improve accuracy and applicability to high-density plasmas.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel dual-system PIC simulation approach that independently models particle generation and transport, avoiding the need for matching field solvers across density regions.

Findings

Successfully simulates fast ignition with real target densities

Demonstrates the feasibility of the integrated approach

Improves simulation accuracy for high-density plasma interactions

Abstract

An integrated simulation approach fully based upon particle-in-cell (PIC) model is proposed, which involves both fast particle generation via laser solid-density plasma interaction and transport and energy deposition of the particles in extremely high density plasma. It is realized by introducing two independent systems in a simulation, where the fast particle generation is simulated by a full PIC system and the transport and energy deposition computed by a second PIC system with a reduced field solver. Data of the fast particles generated in the full PIC system are copied to the reduced PIC system in real time as the fast particle source. Unlike a two-region approach, which takes a single PIC system and two field solvers in two plasma density regions, respectively, the present one need not match the field-solvers since the reduced field solver and the full solver adopted respectively in the two systems are independent. A simulation case is presented, which demonstrates that this approach can be applied to integrated simulation of fast ignition with real target densities.