The first observation of ignition-relevant areal-density deuterium from implosions of capsules with cryogenic fuel layers at ignition-relevant adiabats is reported. The experiments were performed on the 60-beam, $30\mathrm{\text{−}}{\mathrm{kJ}}_{\mathrm{UV}}$ OMEGA Laser System [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. Neutron-averaged areal densities of $202\pm 7\mathrm{mg}/{\mathrm{cm}}^2$ and $182\pm 7\mathrm{mg}/{\mathrm{cm}}^2$ (corresponding to estimated peak fuel densities in excess of $100\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^3$) were inferred using an 18-kJ direct-drive pulse designed to put the converging fuel on an adiabat of 2.5. These areal densities are in good agreement with the predictions of hydrodynamic simulations indicating that the fuel adiabat can be accurately controlled under ignition-relevant conditions.

• Received 9 November 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.185006