HIGH-TEMPERATURES IN INERTIAL CONFINEMENT FUSION RADIATION CAVITIES HEATED WITH 0.35-MU-M LIGHT

We have demonstrated efficient coupling of 0.35 mu m laser light for r adiation production in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) cavity target s. Temperatures of 270 eV are measured in cavities used for implosions and 300 eV in smaller cavities, significantly extending the temperatu re range attained in the laboratory to those required for high-gain in direct drive ICF. High-contrast, shaped drive pulses required for impl osion experiments have also been demonstrated for the first time. Low levels of scattered light and fast electrons are observed, indicating that plasma instability production is not significant.