Fission Experiments in Laser-Generated Plasmas

Alex Zylstra | 20-ERD-031

Executive Summary

Using laser-driven experimental facilities and nuclear diagnostics, we will develop capabilities for studying fission reactions in high-energy-density plasmas, an important problem largely unstudied by laboratory experiments. If successful, this project will yield new capabilities broadly applicable across the national mission space, including the Department of Energy (stockpile stewardship), the Department of Homeland Security (radiochemistry and forensics) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (astrophysics).