Fusion ignition via a magnetically-assisted fast ignition approach

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that combining counter-propagating high-power laser pulses with a strong external magnetic field can achieve fusion ignition within a few picoseconds, offering a promising approach to overcome existing challenges in laser-driven fusion.

Contribution

It introduces a magnetically-assisted fast ignition scheme using multi-dimensional simulations, identifying specific laser and magnetic field parameters for successful ignition.

Findings

Achieved ignition conditions with 2.8 PW laser pulses and 3.5 kT magnetic field

Ignition occurs within 5 picoseconds of laser heating

Parameter windows for experimental testing are provided

Abstract

Significant progress has been made towards laser-driven fusion ignition via different schemes, including direct and indirect central ignition, fast ignition, shock ignition, and impact ignition schemes. However, to reach ignition conditions, there are still various technical and physical challenges to be solved for all these schemes. Here, our multi-dimensional integrated simulation shows that the fast-ignition conditions could be achieved when two 2.8 petawatt heating laser pulses counter-propagate along a 3.5 kilotesla external magnetic field. Within a period of 5 picoseconds, the laser pulses heat a nuclear fuel to reach the ignition conditions. Furthermore, we present the parameter windows of lasers and magnetic fields required for ignition for experimental test.