STUDIES ON RADIATION SYMMETRIZATION IN HEAVY-ION-DRIVEN HOHLRAUM TARGETS

Radiation symmetrization within spherical, ellipsoidal and cylindrical hohlraum targets for heavy-ion inertial-confinement fusion (ICF) is s tudied by means of a 3D numerical static model, in which realistic ass umptions are made concerning the geometry of the system and, particula rly, of the radiation <<converters>>. Among the systems so far studied , only spherical hohlraums with six converters achieve the illuminatio n symmetry of the fusion capsule considered necessary for ICF applicat ions. A parametric study of cylindrical hohlraums enlightens the effec t of several parameter changes, and suggests directions for further st udies, aiming at the design of two-converter targets.