Progress in light ion fusion

It is shown that advances in ion beam theory, diagnostics, and experiments in the past two years have produced a 5-TW/cm/sup 2/ proton beam. Target experiments using this beam have produced data on total photon energy, proton beam uniformity, and beam-target interaction physics. Experiments are being planned to measure ion beam deposition in heated material quantitatively. In parallel with these target experiments driven by intense proton beams, the author is concentrating on development of a lithium ion beam. Two lithium sources have shown promising results, including production and acceleration of singly ionized lithium and high beam purity.<>