Recent progress in heavy ion fusion simulations

Based on the. success that simulations have enjoyed in reproducing both the ory and experimental measurement, simulation methods have become increasing ly accepted for studying the physics of space-charge-dominated beams. Such studies have recently demonstrated the utility of viewing the evolution of space-charge-dominated beams in terms of bounded collective warm-plasma osc illations. Viewing the plasma in this way has not only resulted in simplify ing the explanation of experimental data but has also opened the possibilit y of utilizing th excitation of these modes to tailor space charge dominate d beams for optimizing performance of heavy ion fusion drivers. (C) 2001 El sevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.