Demonstration of Radiation Pulse Shaping with Nested-Tungsten-Wire-ArrayZPinches for High-Yield Inertial Confinement Fusion

Abstract

Nested wire-array $Z$ pinches are shown to generate soft x-ray radiation pulse shapes required for three-shock isentropic compression and hot-spot ignition of high-yield inertial confinement fusion capsules. We demonstrate a reproducible and tunable foot pulse (first shock) produced by interaction of the outer and inner arrays. A first-step pulse (second shock) is produced by inner array collision with a central ${\mathrm{CH}}_2$ foam target. Stagnation of the inner array at the axis produces the third shock. Capsules optimized for several of these shapes produce 290–900 MJ fusion yields in 1D simulations.