Introduction

Abstract

The problems of the interaction of high-intensity laser radiation with plasma represent a very new, fascinating, and fundamental field of research, which could be an important key for solving the energy crisis. Whatever other results may come from this field, the technique of inertial confinement of compressed pure hot deuterium by laser radiation may be the only clean, inexpensive, and inexhaustible nuclear energy source of the future. For the shortterm, perhaps within 10 years under the most advantageous conditions, laser fusion may lead to a practicable reactor if compression of plasma by lasers to densities 10,000 times the solid state density can be achieved within the near future.