A review of VlasovFokkerPlanck numerical modeling of inertial confinement fusion plasma
The interaction of intense lasers with solid matter generates a hot plasma state that is well described by the VlasovFokkerPlanck equation. Accurate and efficient modeling of the physics in these scenarios is highly pertinent, because it relates to experimental campaigns to produce energy by inertial confinement fusion on facilities such as the National Ignition Facility. Calculations involving the VlasovFokkerPlanck equation are computationally intensive, but are crucial to proper understanding of a wide variety of physical effects and instabilities in inertial fusion plasmas. In this topical review, we will introduce the background physics related to VlasovFokkerPlanck simulation, and then proceed to describe results from numerical simulation of inertial fusion plasma in a pedagogical manner by discussing some key numerical algorithm developments that enabled the research to take place. A qualitative comparison of the techniques is also given.
inertial confinement fusion plasma laser computational vlasov fokkerplanck fast electron transport magnetic field