The PAMS/GDP Process for Production of ICF Target Mandrels

An improved process for production of ICF Target Mandrels has been developed. Shells made from PAMS (poly-α-methylstyrene) are coated with GDP (glow discharge polymer). The PAMS is then removed by depolymerization and volatilization at 300°C, leaving a GDP mandrel. Compared to past polymer mandrels, this process yields GDP mandrels with significant improvements in wall thickness control, sphericity and concentricity, and the complete absence of vacuoles. The process is capable of making GDP shells with a wide size range (from 300 < o.d. < 2700 µm), and an independently controlled wall thickness (from 1 to 30 µm). The GDP can be doped with a variety of elements.