A DIODE-PUMPED SOLID-STATE LASER DRIVER FOR INERTIAL FUSION ENERGY

A comprehensive conceptual design for a diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) as a driver for an inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant i s presented. This design is based on recent technical advances that of fer potential solutions to difficulties previously associated with the use of a laser for IFE applications. The design was selected by using a systems analysis code that optimizes a DPSSL configuration by minim izing the calculated cost of electricity (COE). The code contains the significant physics relevant to the DPSSL driver, bur treats the targe t chamber and balance of plant costs generically using scaling relatio ns published for the Sombrero KrF laser concept. The authors describe the physics incorporated in the code, predict DPSSL performance and it s variations with changes in the major parameters, discuss IFE economi cs and technical risk, and identify the high leverage development effo rts that can make DPSSL driven IFE plants more economically competitiv e. It is believed that this study is a significant advance over previo us conceptual studies of DPSSLs for IFE because it incorporates a new cost effective gain medium, applies a potential solution to the 'final optics' problem, and considers me laser physics in substantially grea ter detail. The result is the introduction of an option for an IFE dri ver that has relatively low development costs and that builds upon the mature laser technology base already developed for Nova and being dev eloped for the proposed National Ignition Facility. The baseline desig n of the paper has a product of laser efficiency and target gain of et a G similar to 6.6 and a COE of 8.6 cents/kW.h for a 1 GW(e) plant wit h a target gain of 76 at 3.7 MJ. Higher eta G (greater than or similar to 11) and lower COEs (less than or similar to 6.6 cents/kW.h) can be achieved with target gains twice as high.