Progress at LLNL toward DPSSL-Driven Intertial Fusion Energy

We describe research indicating that a diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) can serve as a viable driver for an inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant. The ongoing construction of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) sets the stage for a new era to start in the next decade for target research aimed at achieving the high gains necessary for both defense and energy applications. In addition, advances in DPSSL research show that this type of laser can have adequate efficiency and reliability, and can achieve the effective beam smoothness required for direct-drive IFE.