Development path to an ArF laser-fusion pilot power plant

The Argon Fluoride (ArF) laser is very attractive for achieving the performance needed for inertial-fusion power plants. The combination of short wavelength (193 nm) and broad bandwidth capability (10 THz FWHM) would provide the best laser-target interaction for direct-drive implosions. This includes highest hydrodynamic efficiency and resistance to laser plasma instabilities. Simulations conducted by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory indicate the gains (>100) needed for a laser-fusion power plant can be achieved with less than 1MJ of laser energy. We will present our designs for a high-energy (30kJ) high-repetition-rate (10Hz) ArF beamline and its application to a direct-drive laser-fusion pilot power plant. This work builds on the extensive electron-beam pumped high-energy excimer laser research conducted at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. The importance of laser wavelength for driving inertial confinement fusion targets.