WarpX simulation of the generation of energetic protons for inertial confinement fusion (proton-based fast ignition).

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is crucial in numerous scientific pursuits, including fusion energy. The simulations for inertial confinement fusion and high energy-density physics, which involve highly kinetic, non-neutral plasma, are akin to those used for modeling charged particle beams. This natural connection is precisely what AMP’s BLAST integrated simulation tools excel at, making them a unique and powerful resource for researchers.

WarpX simulation of a field-reverse configuration fusion device (courtesy TAE Technologies).

AMP uses the code WarpX to explore the complex interaction between intense lasers and plasma. This helps us to understand kinetic effects in laser-driven inertial fusion energy (IFE), laser-driven ion beam generation and acceleration, and plasma mirrors for focusing and compressing laser intensity to achieve the high fields needed to study QED effects. WarpX is also being used to simulate several alternative fusion reactor concepts (e.g., Field Reverse Configuration plasmas), including reactor concepts that several private companies are actively developing.