PLASMA
In the literature: open
Origin of yield variability between nominally identical ignition shots
In plain words
Fusion implosions that are meant to be identical produce very different energy yields. The small flaws in the capsule or laser drive responsible for this have not been pinned down quantitatively.
Precise statement
Attribute the shot-to-shot yield variability of igniting NIF implosions quantitatively among capsule defects and ablator inhomogeneity, fill-tube and support-tent perturbations, low-mode drive asymmetry and ablator-fuel mix. An answer is a model that predicts each shot's yield from pre-shot metrology and laser data to within 30 percent.
What would settle it
A blind prediction of yields for a series of new shots using only pre-shot data.
Related problems
- Special case of Can laser-driven inertial fusion reach target gain of 10