Rarefaction Flows and Mitigation of Imprint in Direct-Drive Implosions

Using highly resolved 3-D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations, we identify a novel mechanism by which the deleterious impact of laser imprinting is mitigated in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion. Unsupported shocks and associated rarefaction flows, commonly produced with short laser bursts, are found to reduce imprint modulations prior to target acceleration. Optimization through the choice of laser pulse with picket(s) and target dimensions may improve the stability of lower adiabat designs, thus providing the necessary margin for ignition-relevant implosions.