Demonstration of Symmetry Control of Infrared Heated Deuterium Layers in Hohlraums

Infrared smoothed deuterium ice layers inside capsules have been successfully demonstrated for capsules inside cylindrical hohlraums. Improved characterization methods and infrared illumination enables low mode control in both the axial and azimuthal directions. We demonstrate control of the first two axial modes and first azimuthal mode using IR pointing. We demonstrate ice layers with axial P₁ amplitude less than 1 m, and a reduction in P₂ amplitude from 20% to 8% of the ice thickness. Results of these experiments will be used to derive accuracy requirements for an infrared heating system for ice layers in hohlraums on NIF.