Dynamic hohlraum radiation hydrodynamics

Z-pinch dynamic hohlraums are a promising indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion approach. Comparison of multiple experimental methods with integrated Z-pinch∕hohlraum∕capsule computer simulations builds understanding of the hohlraum interior conditions. Time-resolved x-ray images determine the motion of the radiating shock that heats the hohlraum as it propagates toward the hohlraum axis. The images also measure the radius of radiation-driven capsules as they implode. Dynamic hohlraum LASNEX [G. Zimmerman and W. Kruer, Comments Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 2, 85 (1975)] simulations are found to overpredict the shock velocity by ∼20–40%, but simulated capsule implosion trajectories agree reasonably well with the data. Measurements of the capsule implosion core conditions using time- and space-resolved Ar tracer x-ray spectroscopy and the fusion neutron yield provide additional tests of the integrated hohlraum-implosion system understanding. The neutron yield in the highest performing CH capsule implos...