Low-density absorber-converter in direct-irradiation laser thermonuclear targets

A version of a thermonuclear target for direct irradiation by a laser pulse is proposed, which ensures a virtually arbitrary laser-to-soft X-ray radiation conversion efficiency. The key target element is the external spherical layer of a low-density composite material with a density close to the critical plasma density. The layer material is a porous medium of light elements (porous beryllium, porous plastics) with clusters of heavy elements (gold, copper) distributed inside it. This layer fulfils the dual function of absorbing laser radiation and converting the laser radiation to X-rays. A theory is developed to describe the plasma production and the generation of intrinsic radiation in composite materials of this kind irradiated by a high-power laser pulse. The efficiency of X-ray energy deposition for targets with a low-density absorber-converter is shown to be higher than for direct-irradiation targets with a solid converter and indirect-irradiation targets. Also discussed are the technological possibilities of producing low-density composite media containing clusters of heavy elements and having parameters that provide efficient operation of the absorber-converter in laser thermonuclear targets.