Scaled Neutron Yield Enhancement Experiments Using the Laser Driven MagLIF Platform on the OMEGA Laser*

The team at the LLE has developed an experimental platform using the OMEGA laser to explore a scaled version of the Z machine MagLIF point design. OMEGA, which delivers 1/1000th the energy of Z compresses a 1/10 scaled cylinder. A specialized 3ω preheat beam fires down the axis of the cylinder, raising the fuel temperature to 200 eV. Magnetic fields of up to 30 T were generated in the region of interest using coils driven by current from the Magneto-Inertial Fusion Electrical Discharge System (MIFEDS). Recent experimental campaigns have demonstrated the enhancement of neutron yield by the application of an initial magnetic field along the cylindrical implosion axis for multiple fuel densities. We present data from all 4 experimental cases that combine the application of the magnetic field and preheat beam to a cylindrical implosion.