Laser program at LASL. Progress report, January 1--June 30, 1975

Abstract

Progress in the development of high-power lasers for fusion application is reported. Modifications to the Nd:glass system are described, and studies relating to specific problems of this system are summarized. Efforts in the development of a powerful CO$sub 2$ laser system are outlined, leading from a 1- kJ laser to a 2.5-kJ system and subsequently to a 10-kJ assembly. Results of experiments with the cold-cathode electron gun to be used in the 2.5-kJ system are given. Preliminary design criteria for a high-energy laser facility to accommodate an advanced CO$sub 2$ laser system with a nominal energy output of 100 kJ are discussed. Results of experimental studies on the high-gain HF system are presented; and several promising prospective molecular lasing systems are described. New methods of fabricating complex laser targets are summarized, and novel coating and inspection techniques are outlined. The development and testing of new instrumentation and data-acquisition techniques applicable to large laser systems and to experiments of greater complexity are described. Computer-code modifications and developments are discussed which integrate some of the phenomena observed in laser/target interaction experiments. Optimum radii, aspect ratios, and masses of targets for given laser time scales and energies are given, and the role ofmore » radiative preheating from a high-Z ablator in explaining the low performance in present laser-fusion experiments is outlined. Major efforts in recent feasibility and systems studies of laser-fusion power plants are described, and applications of laser fusion other than the direct production of electric power, e.g., the production of synthetic fuels, are discussed. « less

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