Abstract

Los Alamos National Laboratory is engaged in a long range program designed to investigate the merits of krypton-fluoride (KrF) lasers as ICF drivers. Because of their intrinsic short wavelength (0.25 μm), broad bandwidth (~0.5%), smooth spatial beam profile, and precise and flexible temporal pulse shaping capabilities, KrF lasers appear to be an attractive ICF driver candidate from the laser-target interaction physics standpoint. Additionally, use of a gaseous lasing medium with the potential of high overall system efficiency preserves a direct path to energy production. Current cost projections for MJ class KrF systems show it to be affordable.

© 1990 Optical Society of America