Research in the field of laser thermonuclear fusion, which began more than 60 years ago at the Lebedev Physical Institute, in 2022 led to a record result in the ignition of a controlled fusion reaction in a laboratory experiment. The paper outlines the modern concept of laser thermonuclear fusion and the most significant results of research into pulsed plasma with an extremely high energy density produced under high-power laser irradiation of matter. A concise summary of the history of research in the field of laser thermonuclear fusion is presented, with emphasis placed on the role of the Lebedev Physical Institute.

Keywords: lasers, controlled fusion reaction, inertial confinement, laser plasma, shock waves PACS: 52.57.−z DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2024.01.039630 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2024/9/d/ 001343554500002 2024PhyU...67..888G Citation: Gus’kov S Yu "Laser thermonuclear fusion and physics of pulsed plasma with ultrahigh energy density" Phys. Usp. 67 888–896 (2024) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 9th, October 2023, revised: 28th, December 2023, accepted: 13th, January 2024 Оригинал: Гуськов С Ю «Лазерный термоядерный синтез и физика импульсной плазмы со сверхвысокой плотностью энергии» УФН 194 941–950 (2024); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2024.01.039630