Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 133, June 2006
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Page(s) | 3 - 8 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:2006133002 | |
Publié en ligne | 16 juin 2006 |
J.-C. Gauthier, et al.
J. Phys. IV France 133 (2006) 3-8
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2006133002
Inertial fusion science in Europe
B. BigotCEA, 31-33 rue de la Fédération, 75752 Paris Cedex 15, France
Abstract
Europe has built significant laser facilities to study
ICF since the beginning of this science. The goal is to understand the
processes of ignition and propagation of thermonuclear combustion. Three
routes toward fusion are pursued, each of which has advantages and
difficulties. The conventional routes are using a central hot spot created
by the same compression and heating laser beams, either with indirect or
direct drive. A more recent route, "fast ignition", has been actively
studied since the 90's, increasing the need for PW high energy lasers to
create the hot spot; some European lasers of this kind are already
functioning, others are under construction or planned. Among European
facilities, Laser Mega Joule (LMJ), which is under construction, will be the
most powerful tool at the end of the decade, along with NIF in the USA, to
study and obtain fusion. On all these facilities, numerous results are and
will be obtained in the fields of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) and
Ultra High Intensity (UHI).
© EDP Sciences 2006