Empirical Scaling Law for Mode-2 Asymmetry in NIF Burning Plasma Experiments: P₂ ∝ 1/(1 + aY) with a = 0.347 ± 0.05

We report an empirical inverse scaling law between fusion yield Y and mode-2 implosion asymmetry P₂ in National Ignition Facility (NIF) indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments. Analysis of published shot data from the HYBRID-E and I-Raum campaigns (2020–2022) reveals a strong inverse correlation (Pearson ρ = −0.893, p < 0.001): higher-yield implosions exhibit systematically better mode-2 symmetry. The relationship is described by P₂ ∝ 1/(1 + a·Y/Y₀) with a = 0.347 ± 0.05 and Y₀ = 1 MJ. The coefficient a ≈ 1/3 is consistent with adiabatic alpha-particle heating scaling in the burning plasma regime. This functional form provides falsifiable predictions for current NIF shots (5.2 MJ, Feb 2024; 8.6 MJ, Apr 2025). This work complements Ralph et al. (Nature Communications, 2024), which quantified the impact of P₂ on yield. Here we quantify the converse: the yield-driven symmetrization feedback in the burning plasma regime.