The acceleration of electrons injected in a plasma wave generated by the laser wake eld mechanism has been observed. A maximum energy gain of 1.6 MeV has been measured and the maximum longitudinal electric eld is estimated to 1.5 GV/m. The experimental data agree with theoretical predictions when 3D e ects are taken into account. The duration of the plasma wave inferred from the number of accelerated electrons is of the order of 1 ps. 41.75. Lx,52.40.Nk Typeset using REVT E X 1

The paper presents theoretical analysis and experimental results concerning the major physical issues in the shock ignition approach. These are: generation of a high amplitude shock in the imploding target, laser-plasma interaction physics in the conditions of high laser intensities needed for high amplitude shock excitation, symmetry and stability of the shock propagation, role of fast electrons in the symmetrization of the shock pressure and the fuel preheat. The theoretical models and numerical simulations are compared with the results of specially designed experiments on laser plasma interaction and shock excitation in plane and spherical geometries.