The High Average Power Laser Program (HAPL) is a coordinated, focussed multi-lab effort to develop the science and technology for Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (Laser IFE). Researchers at UC San Diego support this national program in the areas of optics development and testing, chamber armor studies, chamber gasdynamics and clearing, chamber design integration, and target engagement and survival. More information on the national program can be found here. Below we describe research performed at UC San Diego in support of the HAPL program.

Optics development and testing

Researchers at UC San Diego are responsible for the development and testing of final optics for laser IFE. The leading candidate for a final optic is a "grazing incidence metal mirror", or GIMM. We work with industrial partners to develop fabrication techniques, and we perform high-cycle exposures using short-pulse lasers in the UCSD Laser Plasma and Laser Matter Interactions Laboratory

Chamber armor studies

Chamber gasdynamics and clearing

Chamber design integration

Target engagement and survival

In collaboration with the Inertial Fusion Group at General Atomics, we are developing systems for tracking direct-drive inertial fusion targets and steering multiple laser beams onto the target. Other activities include electrostatic target steering and modeling studies of the thermal and mechanical response of cryogenic targets in flight.

Facilities

Our experimental research is performed in the Laser Plasma and Laser Matter Interactions Laboratory. Light sources include Joule-class excimer and solid state lasers. Target engagement research is also carried out at the General Atomics IFE Target Laboratory.