Thermal and Structural Issues of Target Injection into a Laser-Driven Inertial Fusion Energy Chamber

Inertial fusion energy (IFE) targets injected into fusion chambers must withstand the demanding acceleration forces and the intense thermal environment of the fusion chamber. For indirect targets, the ultrathin capsule support membrane is the target component that is most sensitive to acceleration forces. Maintaining the deuterium-tritium (DT) temperature, to prevent a significant increase in DT vapor pressure, is the most critical thermal requirement. Secondarily, material selection of the high-temperature laser entrance hole window is required. This paper briefly describes how these requirements are satisfied for a laser-driven IFE plant design.