Target fabrication and positioning techniques for laser fusion experiments

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Abstract
Solid targets of pure deuterium or deuterium‐bearing compounds are required for experiments designed to explore the feasibility of laser fusion as a source of energy. This paper deals with three aspects of the targets used in this application, namely, (i) the selection of suitable compounds which provide optimum heating by the laser radiation, (ii) the fabrication of appropriately sized and shaped targets from these compounds, and (iii) the positioning of these targets in laser‐irradiation experiments. Spherical targets of lithium deuteride, deuterated polyethylene, and paraffins with diameters of 50–200 μ are considered, as well as 400 μ cylindrical extrusions of deuterium ice. Detailed descriptions are given of the apparatus and techniques used to position these targets in the focal region of the laser radiation.