MacroshellTM target development: Methods and materials

We summarize the methods and materials used to produce MacroshellTM inertial confinement fusion (ICF) fuel capsules. These large diameter (2–10 mm), high aspect ratio (diameter/wall ratio) shells are used as deuterium‐tritium (DT) fuel containers for β‐heating experimental studies and are potentially useful as fuel capsules for implosion experiments using inertial fusion (IF) drivers like PBFA II. For current β‐heating experiments, the primary shell material is fused silica glass. Its high optical clarity allows visual documentation of the DT‐ice redistribution within the spherical shell. The technology used in the development of these fuel capsules has been applied to alternative shell materials which may be needed for the proposed Laboratory Microfusion Facility (LMF). We are currently investigating methods for the fabrication of polystyrene and lithium borate shells.