Three-Dimensional Particle-in-Cell Simulations of Fast Ignition

Energy is the ultimate driver for economic growth and social development. Fusion energy is regarded as the true long-term energy solution for humanity that is environment-friendly and safe. Fast ignition (FI) is one of the most promising new schemes to improve the viability of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) as a practical energy source. FI uses an approach that separates the compression of the fusion fuel from the ignition step. First, a laser compresses a spherical shell of deuterium-tritium ice to high density at low temperature. Then, a second very high-intensity laser delivers a pulse of energy that ignites the compressed fuel. This concept promises much higher gain for the same driver energy and possible reduction of the energy needed for ignition. There is worldwide interest in FI and its associated science, with major ‘proof of principle’ experimental facilities being constructed, most notably at the OMEGA-EP facility in the USA and the FIREX facility in Japan. INCITE resources will be used to carry out large-scale Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations of the ignition phase in FI. The ignition phase determines the coupling of the ignition laser to the target core and thus the viability of FI, but it is also the least understood phase in FI. This project will contribute toward the realization of fusion as a controllable energy source, solving the energy crisis facing the world today.