A diode pumped solid state laser driver for inertial fusion energy

Abstract

A comprehensive conceptual design for a diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) as a driver for an inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant is presented. This design is based on recent technical advances that offer 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 minimizing the calculated cost of electricity (COE). The code contains the significant physics relevant to the DPSSL driver, bur treats the target chamber and balance of plant costs generically using scaling relations published for the Sombrero KrF laser concept. The authors describe the physics incorporated in the code, predict DPSSL performance and its variations with changes in the major parameters, discuss IFE economics and technical risk, and identify the high leverage development efforts that can make DPSSL driven IFE plants more economically competitive. It is believed that this study is a significant advance over previous 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 greater detail. The result is the introduction of an option for an IFE driver that has relatively low development costs and that builds upon the mature laser technology base already developed for Nova and being developed for the proposed National Ignition Facility. The baseline design of the paper has a product of laser efficiency and target gain of eta G similar to 6.6 and a COE of 8.6 cents/kW.h for a 1 GW(e) plant with 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.