The Cairn project was conceived to demonstrate compression of DT fuel to densities approaching 100 times liquid density. This was a significant landmark along the pathway to proof of scientific feasibility for Inertial Confinement Fusion ( ICF).
Dr. Mead, as Lead Designer, used a large computer code to design targets and analyze experiments performed on the Argus and Shiva lasers at LLNL. His work and the contributions of many others led to the successful completion of this challenging task.
Dr. Mead later designed and published results of experimental tests of the first electron-conduction-driven target that achieved compression of DT to over 10X liquid density.
This work has been partially declassified by the DOE, and an excellent book describes some of the work in more detail. Interested readers should examine the book Inertial Confinement Fusion by John D. Lindl (Springer-Verlag, 1998).
You may use your browser's 'Back' button to return to the most recently viewed ANSR page.
Return to ANSR Home Page or Site Contents -- or -- Contact ANSR.