A solid deuterium–tritium fuel layer within a spherical inertial confinement fusion target will be driven uniform by β-decay energy if the target is held in an isothermal environment. The apparatus we constructed to verify this process provides an isothermal and radiation-tight environment. Heat exchange between the target (≂20 K) and the environment (4.2 K) is regulated by controlling the helium exchange gas through a specially constructed manifold. A unique optical system maintained at low temperatures allows direct observation of the fuel layer uniformity. Tritium containment in the event of a target failure is assured by tungsten–inert gas welding of the stainless-steel structure. This system conveniently fits a standard vendor supplied 100-l Dewar, and is designed to minimize boiloff and cooldown losses by means of an efficient helium vapor counterflow system. We have also incorporated a vibration isolation system to permit holographic interferometry imaging and evaluation of the fuel layers.
To take full advantage of the capabilities offered by the Omega laser facility, the experimental teams at the University of Rochester need the capability to field cryogenic targets. The cryogenic target delivery system must be able to produce uniform solid or liquid DT layers 2-20 pm within polymer shells which are 300-400 fim in diameter. The facility must be able to maintain its experiment rate of one shot per ~ h and each target must be documented within the experimental chamber for postshot analysis. We will discuss the approach and equipment that KMS is using in collaboration with the University of Rochester to provide Omega with the capability to field cryogenic inertial confinement fusion targets.
Sandwich holography modeling study of solid deuterium-tritium layers J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 9, 831 (1991); 10.1116/1.577324Apparatus for verification of beta heating driven layer uniformity in solid deuterium-tritium J.
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