Influence of mass ablation on ignition and burn propagation in layered fusion capsules

After decades of research, recent laser-driven inertial fusion experiments have demonstrated rapid progress toward achieving thermonuclear ignition using capsule designs with cryogenic fuel layers. The physics for these layered capsules involves a complex interplay between the dynamically forming hot spot and dense surrounding fuel. Using analytic theory numerical simulations, we demonstrate that mass ablation rate into depends sensitively upon temperature fuel, resulting in ablative inflows up to [Formula: see text] faster than previous estimates. This produces an enthalpy flux plays critical role controlling temperature, threshold, subsequent burn propagation. net influence on threshold is regulated by dimensionless parameter As consequence, sensitive any mechanism heats such as neutrons or radiation emitted from spot. These predictions are confirmed radiation-hydrodynamic simulations series near conditions. analysis may relevance understanding variable performance guiding new higher yields.