Elements of Power Plant Design for Inertial Fusion Energy

There are two major approaches in fusion energy research, magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). The basic physics of IFE (compression and ignition of small fuel pellets containing deuterium and tritium) is becoming increasingly well understood. On the basis of advances by individual countries, IFE has reached a stage at which benefits could be obtained. This report is focused on interface issues including those related to (i) the driver/target interface, (ii) the driver/chamber interface and (iii) the target/chamber interface. The report includes an assessment of the state of the art of the technologies required for an IFE power plant (drivers, chambers and targets) and systems integration as presented and evaluated by members of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project on elements of power plant design for inertial fusion energy.