Studies of single-event laser-target interaction for fusion reaction
schemes leading to volume ignition are discussed. Conditions were explored
where single-event ns-laser pulses give rise to temperatures sufficient
for volume ignition. Thus, ignition is possible, particularly if X-ray
reabsorption is sufficiently high. Unfortunately, this scheme requires
laser pulses with energies above 5 MJ and target densities of compressed
DT above 1000 g/cm−3. Both requirements are quite
demanding for near term systems. Nevertheless the present state technology
and the detailed knowledge about volume ignition at direct drive are a
basis. Systems as NIF or LMJ can well confirm these physics-clarified
conditions and the technology for large laser systems with sufficient
repetition rate and for a drastic reduction of the size and costs is
necessary and possible and by physics similar to the known reductions in
transistor development.