Comparison for non-local hydrodynamic thermal conduction models

Inertial confinement fusion and specifically shock ignition involve temperatures and temperature gradients for which the classical Spitzer-Harm thermal conduction breaks down and a non-local operator is required. In this article, two non-local electron thermal conduction models are tested against kinetic Vlasov-Fokker-Planck simulations. Both models are shown to reproduce the main features of thermal heat front propagation at kinetic timescales. The reduction of the thermal conductivity as a function of the scalelength of the temperature gradient is also recovered. Comparisons at nanosecond timescales show that the models agree on the propagation velocity of the heat front, but major differences appear in the thermal precursor. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4789878

Experimental and Monte Carlo absolute characterization of a medical electron beam using a magnetic spectrometer

The knowledge of the absolute energy distributions of the particles emitted from a clinical accelerator is important for the evaluation of Monte Carlo simulations developed for treatment planning. In this paper, an original approach is presented which allows to measure the absolute energy distribution of the electron beam delivered by a Varian 21Ex medical accelerator. The electron beam was characterized at the isocenter with calibrated image plates covering the exit window of a magnetic spectrometer. The characteristics of the electron beam emitted from an effective source have been inferred from the measurements using the Geant4 Monte Carlo code. The contribution of direct electrons to the absolute depth-dose curve in a water phantom is estimated

Acceleration of collimated 45 MeV protons by collisionless shocks driven in low-density, large-scale gradient plasmas by a 1020W/cm2, 1 μm laser

A new type of proton acceleration stemming from large-scale gradients, low-density targets, irradiated by an intense near-infrared laser is observed. The produced protons are characterized by high-energies (with a broad spectrum), are emitted in a very directional manner, and the process is associated to relaxed laser (no need for high-contrast) and target (no need for ultra-thin or expensive targets) constraints. As such, this process appears quite effective compared to the standard and commonly used Target Normal Sheath Acceleration technique (TNSA), or more exploratory mechanisms like Radiation Pressure Acceleration (RPA). The data are underpinned by 3D numerical simulations which suggest that in these conditions a Low Density Collisionless Shock Acceleration (LDCSA) mechanism is at play, which combines an initial Collisionless Shock Acceleration (CSA) to a boost procured by a TNSA-like sheath field in the downward density ramp of the target, leading to an overall broad spectrum. Experiments performed at a laser intensity of 1020 W/cm2 show that LDCSA can accelerate, from ~1% critical density, mm-scale targets, up to 5 × 109 protons/MeV/sr/J with energies up to 45(±5) MeV in a collimated (~6° half-angle) manner

Approach to the study of fast electron transport in cylindrically imploded targets

The transport of relativistic electron beam in compressed cylindrical targets was studied from a numerical and experimental point of view. In the experiment, cylindrical targets were imploded using the Gekko XII laser facility of the Institute of Laser Engineering. Then the fast electron beam was created by shooting the LFEX laser beam. The penetration of fast electrons was studied by observing Kα emission from tracer layers in the target

Progress in understanding the role of hot electrons for the shock ignition approach to Inertial Confinement Fusion

This paper describes the results of a series of experiments conducted with the PALS laser at intensities of interest for the shock ignition approach to inertial fusion. In particular, we addressed the generation of hot electrons (determining their average energy and number), as well as the parametric instabilities which are producing them. In addition, we studied the impact of hot electrons on the formation and dynamics of strong shocks

Progress in understanding the role of hot electrons for the shock ignition approach to inertial confinement fusion

This paper describes the results of a series of experiments conducted with the PALS laser at intensities of interest for the shock ignition approach to inertial fusion. In particular, we addressed the generation of hot electrons (HE) (determining their average energy and number), as well as the parametric instabilities which are producing them. In addition, we studied the impact of HE on the formation and dynamics of strong shocks