Hydrodynamic modeling and simulations of shock ignition thresholds

The Shock Ignition (SI) scheme (1) offers to reduce the laser requirements by relaxing the implosion phase to sub-ignition velocities and later adding an intense laser spike. Depending on laser energy, target characteristics and implosion velocity, high gains are expected (2, 3). Relevant intensities for scaled targets imploded in the velocity range from 150 to 400km/s are defined at ignition thresholds. A range of moderate implosion velocities is specified to match safe implosions. These conditions for target design are then inferred for relevant NIF and LMJ shock-ignited targets.