high-energy-density physics

The High-Energy-Density Physics Division, headed by Dr. Richard Petrasso,

An MIT-designed charged-particle spectrometer (upper right) being installed on the target chamber of the OMEGA laser at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). (Photo courtesy of LLE)

studies the physics of inertial-confinement fusion (ICF) plasmas and high-energy-density plasmas using experimental and theoretical methods developed by MIT and collaborators. 

ICF experiments utilizing special nuclear diagnostics are currently performed at the OMEGA laser facility at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The division is also involved in defining the nuclear-diagnostic suite for the National Ignition Facility (currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory).  Special nuclear diagnostics make it possible to determine the spatial and temporal variations in fusion burn and in plasma area densities through spectral, temporal, and imaging measurements of fusion products and other ions. These measurements are then used to study a wide variety of physics processes and issues such as laser-plasma interactions, the relationship of implosion symmetry to laser drive symmetry, the timing of shock wave coalescence, the effects of mix on convergence and burn profiles, the effects of hydrodynamic instabilities, and the accuracy of hydrodynamic simulations.

In addition, experiments are being designed for studying the transport of energetic electrons in materials relevant for “Fast Ignitor” ICF scenarios. Theoretical work has involved studies of the slowing down of charged particles in plasmas and the transport of energetic electrons in solids and plasmas. The focus of the work is developing novel diagnostics, furthering the understanding of ICF physics, and pursuing ignition. Another important goal is the education and training of young scientists and students.

New Paper in Science about our Work

This schematic drawing shows the monoenergetic proton radiography system MIT physicists
are using to study inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions. Protons created by
fusion reactions in the capsule shown at the far left travel through magnetic and
electric fields generated by the other implosion. On the right is the resulting image of the fields, with the compressed hydrogen pellet in the center. Click the image to see the Science paper.

Part of the HEDP/ICF team in the experiment planning room, around 11 PM,
on shot day (13 March 2008) for the MIT NLUF experiments at the OMEGA  laser facility.