Novel double-spike pulse shape for OMEGA cryogenic implosions*

Models obtained through statistical analysis have demonstrated good predictive capability for the fusion yields of OMEGA cryogenic implosions. These models produced accurate correlations between the experimental fusion yields and several output variables from the 1-D radiation–hydrodynamic code LILAC. These statistical relations were used to design new implosion experiments, leading to tripling of the fusion yield on OMEGA. Here we describe how these statistical methods can be applied to predict other experimental observables including the areal density and hot-spot radius. These predictive correlations are then used to design new pulse shapes to increase the convergence ratio and the areal density for a new implosion campaign. Once an accurate predictive capability is established for both fusion yields and areal densities, it will be possible to design and field the optimum implosion compatible with the capabilities of the OMEGA laser.