Cloud and Microjet Mix: A Possible Source of Yield limitation of the National Ignition Facility Targets

TL;DR

This paper explores how cloud and microjet ejecta from the target interior may limit the yield of inertial confinement fusion experiments at the NIF, potentially explaining why ignition has not been achieved.

Contribution

It proposes a new hypothesis that ejecta from the target containment could be responsible for yield limitations, supported by analysis and evidence.

Findings

Ejecta from the target interior can interfere with fusion processes.

Cloud and microjet phenomena are identified as potential yield limiting factors.

The hypothesis offers a new perspective on achieving ignition in inertial confinement fusion.

Abstract

The National Ignition Facility(NIF) megajoule laser at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory(LLNL)\cite{moses} has produced a significant amount of useful physics results related to inertial confinement fusion since it began operating in 2010. However, achievement of its primary goal of generating ignition in a thermonuclear plasma has proven elusive, and measured yields were far below those expected from an ignited, and burning, plasma. The reason for the limited yields has not been explained in detail. This work proposes, and shows support for, the possibility that the low yields may be the result of ejecta from the interior of the target containment, and driving, shell.