The achievement of laboratory inertial fusion ignition in Dec 2022 required research- and engineering breakthroughs in the areas of optics, lasers, diagnostics and targets. In this presentation, we will give an introduction of the NIF and the fusion experiments performed at this facility and show the progress of the experiments since NIF started operating in 2010, with a focus on the targets. The cryogenic ignition targets need to fulfill stringent dimensional and thermal requirements at 18K. At the heart of the target is the fuel capsule that holds the deuterium and tritium for the fusion reaction. These capsules must be exceptionally pure, round, uniform, and defect-free. We will cover the specifications, fabrication, and technical challenges in manufacturing these capsules.
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