Ignition calculations using a reduced coupled-mode electron- ion energy exchange model*

Coupled-mode models for electron-ion energy exchange can predict large deviations from standard binary collision models in some regimes. A recently developed reduced coupled-mode model for electron-ion energy exchange, which accurately reproduces full numerical results over a wide range of density and temperature space, has been implemented in the Nym hydrocode and used to assess the impact on ICF capsule fuel assembly and performance. Simulations show a lack of sensitivity to the model, consistent with results from a range of simpler alternative models. Since the coupled-mode model is conceptually distinct to models based on binary collision theory, this result provides increased confidence that uncertainty in electron-ion energy exchange will not impact ignition attempts.