Laser Fusion Experiments at 4 TW

DT-filled glass microspheres have been imploded at power levels exceeding 4 TW using the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory 1.06-μm Argus laser. Thermonuclear neutron yields in excess of 1.5 × ${10}^9$ have been observed implying a DT burn efficiency of 1.6 × ${10}^{-5\mathrm{}}$. Neutron and $\alpha$ time-of-flight measurements indicate DT burn temperatures of 4-8 keV, implying that a DT gain of approximately ${10}^{-2\mathrm{}}$ and a $n\tau$ of ${10}^{12}$ were obtained.