Evolution of Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) Targets

The Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experimental campaign conducted at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics has evolved significantly since its start in 2014. Scientific requirements and OMEGA Extended Performance (EP) system technology both have progressed, resulting in necessary and available updates to the target design. These include, but are not limited to, optimizing target dimensions and aspect ratios to maximize survival at desired pressures; coating target components to improve physics diagnosis; precision-machining diagnostic windows along the axis of the target for enhanced diagnostic views; improving fiducial placement reproducibility and reducing subsequent assembly time by 50%; and implementing gas-pressure transducers on the targets. In addition, target fabrication techniques have changed and advanced, allowing for better target reproducibility and decreased assembly time. To date, 11 variations of targets have been fabricated, with successful target fielding ranging from 1- to 20 atm internal pressure and a maximum survivability of 33 atm.