2024.10.5
Dr. Franck Delahaye of the Paris Observatory and Dr. Michel Koenig of LULI at the Ecole Polytechnique stayed at Osaka University for a week from September 29th to October 4th for collaborative research. This collaborative research is related to the measurement of X-ray opacity of plasma, and we discussed the analysis of experimental data obtained in the last year and research proposals for next year. We are planning to hold a roundtable meeting on opacity at the “Radiative Properties of Hot Dense Matter (RPHDM)” conference to be held in Paris in November 2024.
2024.9.19
Some LF group members attended the annual meeting of the Physical Society of Japan held at Hokkaido University from September 16th to 19th. Prof. Fujioka gave an invited lecture on “High temporal- and spatial-resolved diagnostics o”f tangent, non-equilibrium, micro-scale plasmas produced by lasers”; Dr. Law gave a lecture on ‘Numerical Analysis of Ion Species Dependence in Particle Acceleration during Laser-Driven Magnetic Reconnection,’ Dr. Takizawa gave a lecture on ” combining a high-contrast laser and a cone-shaped target,” Mr. Karaki gave a talk on ‘Generation of high-energy-density plasma using Compound Parabolic Concentrator and high-contrast laser’, Mr. Matsubara gave a talk on ‘Estimation of the p-B reactions by radioactivity measurement.’ Mr. Yamada gave a talk on ‘Spin polarized neutron generation by using lasers.’ In addition to the various discussions, we also enjoyed the food.
2024.8.20
The article “Observation of Ion Species Energy Dependence on Charge-to-Mass Ratio in Laser-Driven Magnetic Reconnection Experiment” reports on an experimental study investigating magnetic reconnection using laser-generated plasma. The study focuses on how the energy of different ion species correlates with their charge-to-mass ratios during the reconnection process. The findings suggest a scaling relation where ion energies depend on the square of the charge-to-mass ratio, with significant implications for understanding particle acceleration in laboratory and cosmic plasma environments.
For more details, you can refer to the full article in High Energy Density Physics journal.
2024.8.6
The manuscript “Formation of High Areal Density Core using an Efficient and Robust Implosion method for Fast Ignition” by Prof. Nagatomo and our team member explores an innovative approach to nuclear fusion energy. The study introduces a new fuel compression method called modified homogenous isentropic compression (M-HIC), designed to optimize the conditions for fast ignition fusion. By using precisely controlled step-pulse lasers, the researchers aim to compress fuel more efficiently, achieving the necessary conditions for ignition while minimizing entropy increases.
A notable feature of this approach is the “power dip” technique, which temporarily reduces the laser power before the final compression stage. This helps lower electron and ion temperatures near critical density, potentially reducing adverse effects from laser-plasma interactions.
2024.8.4
Tanaka-san’s paper has been published in Journal of Applied Physics.
Hydrogen negative ions are widely used for neutral beam injection heating for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, semiconductor manufacturing, and as injection beams for proton accelerators. To improve the efficiency of negative ion production and ensure more sustainable usage, a novel material called electride, which has a low work function, has recently attracted attention.
In this paper, we systematically investigated the interaction of hydrogen atom and molecule ion beams with electride surface, under low energy (below 1 keV) and grazing incidence (below 10 degrees). We found that the proportion of negative ions in the reflected hydrogen ions increases at lower angle and energy showing possible practicability of electride materials for negative ion sources.
For more details, please visit the publication on AIP’s website.
2024.7.11
Prof. Fujioka participated in the Frontiers in Laser Applications Workshop (FLA-4).
This workshop was held in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan from 7th July to 11th July.
He gave an invited talk on the development of fast ignition inertial fusion energy.
Ishigaki is a very beautiful island, and he enjoyed both the conference and life there during his stay.
2024.6.26
Takizawa-san’s paper is published in the High Energy Density Physics journal.
The paper “Effect of irradiation uniformity on quasi-isentropic shock compression of solid spheres” explores how the uniformity of laser light affects the compression of solid spherical targets used in laser fusion energy research. This study highlights the importance of precise laser control in fusion energy research, suggesting that dynamic adjustments to the laser spot size could further enhance the uniformity and efficiency of the compression process. This advancement could significantly contribute to the development of fusion energy as a reliable and clean power source.
2024.6.17
Matsubara-kun attended the High Energy Density Summer School (HEDSS) at the University of Michigan from June 17 to 21. In the lectures, He learned about the theory and measurement methods of high-temperature plasmas and was able to deepen my knowledge of both theory and experiment. During the lab tour, he gained valuable experience observing specific approaches and instrument setups. In addition, through group work, he exchanged opinions and cooperated with other students, and was able to develop English language skills and cooperation skills, which are essential for large-scale experiments.