The progress of ultra-intensity laser and inertial confinement fusion

Abstract

Contemporarily, the world is facing the problem of energy crisis, thus novel approach of energy production is needed to address the problem. Among various new energy scenarios, controlled nuclear fusion is an expected solution. This article will discuss the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) with the recent progress of the state-of-art ultra-intensity laser beams. ICF is a way of controlled nuclear fusion based on the ultra-intensity laser, which is originated in the mid 20 century after the born of nuclear weapons. In order to reach the ignition condition, ultra-intensity laser is compulsory.  With this in mind, this paper discusses the principles and developments of ultra-intensity laser. Subsequently, the milestones and the state-of-art ICF facilities as well as ignition approaches are demonstrated accordingly. Afterwards, the current limitations and drawbacks as well as future outlooks are proposed. Overall, these results shed light on guiding further development of confinement fusion.