A two-layer single shell magnetized target for lessening the Nernst effect

Abstract

Fuel magnetization significantly lowers the required radial convergence enabling cylindrical implosions to become an promising approach for inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Nernst effect on the two-layer single shell magnetized target design applied to Z-pinch benefits from a gold layer that decreases fuel demagnetization and serves as a magnetothermal insulation layer, preventing magnetothermal losses. The resistive diffusion and Nernst advection of the magnetic field are considered in the radiation magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) model, which alter the evolution of magnetic flux in the magnetized target and result in plasma demagnetization. The results demonstrate that targets with a wide range of parameters can achieve ignition condition under a 30 MA driven current. A two-layer single shell magnetized target for lessening the Nernst effect has the potential to achieve ignition condition. The fusion yield of the optimal target increases by 168% from 0.71 MJ to 1.90 MJ, compared to a one-layer single shell target.