Erlangen 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik

P 10: High Energy Density Physics I

P 10.1: Hauptvortrag

Mittwoch, 18. März 2026, 11:00–11:30, KH 02.016

Laser fusion activities in Germany - applications in planetary and stellar astrophysics and experiments at high-power laser facilities — •Dominik Kraus — University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany — Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Research in the field of laser-driven inertial fusion ("laser fusion") has gained significant momentum following the achievement of the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility, triggering substantial public and private investment worldwide, including in Germany.

Despite this progress, a detailed understanding of the complex physical processes along the compression pathway toward inertial fusion plasmas remains essential for the realization of laser fusion as a practical energy source. The most widely pursued laser fusion schemes begin with the compression of the ablator and deuterium*tritium fuel to megabar pressures, corresponding to conditions similar to those found in planetary interiors. This stage is followed by a quasi-isentropic compression to gigabar pressures, reaching regimes comparable to stellar interiors. Both phases fall within the regime of so-called warm dense matter, which remains only partially understood.

This talk will review current developments and key challenges in laser fusion research and outline potential contributions from experimental facilities in Germany. In addition, selected examples will demonstrate how these facilities can be used to advance our understanding of dense astrophysical plasmas.

Keywords: Laser fusion; Warm dense matter; High energy density