TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields

Opportunity : Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields. Background : For ICF implosions that are x-ray driven, the hohlraum that drives the implosions develop a pole-hot x-ray field late in time due to plasma ingress. There are a number of approaches to mitigating this late-time drive (e.g., changing laser cone-fraction in time, altering cross-beam-energy transfer, altering hohlraum-capsule geometry) but these tactics have been pushed to their limits. In order to maintain control of ICF target implosion symmetry, which will enable higher fusion yields, a new solution is needed in target design. Description : This LLNL invention details a unique approach that involves the incorporation of a new geometry of spherical shine shields, which occupy a small volume above the north and south pole of the capsule early in time during the ICF implosion. Upon exposure to late-time hohlraum x-rays, they explode into a cloud of high atomic number (Z) material (e.g. gold or depleted uranium). This cloud of high-Z plasma will hinder the effects of the pole-hot drive, thus improved implosion symmetry is obtained. Advantages/Benefits : Simple modification to the hohlraum/target geometry that does not require pulse shape modifications A 70% increase in yield when spherical shine shields are utilized compared to current best in class solution that is reaching its maximum achievable yield potential Potential Applications : Novel high yielding target concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL ☒ 0-2 ☐ 3-5 ☐ 5-9 LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT . Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: 2025-171