Cryogenic target development for fast ignition with Z-pinch-driven fuel assembly

Abstract
We are developing an alternative approach to indirect-drive fast ignition fusion targets in which a liquid cryogenic fuel layer is condensed in situ from a low pressure external gas supply and confined between a thick outer ablator shell and a thin inner shell. The shape and surface quality of the liquid fuel layer is determined entirely by the characteristics of the bounding shells. Liquid fuel targets of this type have a number of potential advantages including greatly reduced temperature control requirements and drastically reduced cost and complexity of the cryogenic support system compared to -layed DT targets. This liquid fuel concept is particularly appropriate for a hemispherical capsule configuration with single-sided x-ray drive by a z-pinch source. Technology issues for concentric-shell liquid cryogenic target development and progress in thin inner hemispherical shell fabrication are discussed.