Laser Glass Development Leading To A Laser For Fusion Ignition: Part 1

Because they have good energy storage and extraction characteristics, ND-doped phosphate glasses are the preferred medium for high-peak power lasers used for nuclear fusion ignition. In the first part of this article, the author looks at glass properties important for laser fusion applications, such as the ND-glass laser for the National Ignition Facility currently under construction by the US Department of Energy.