The opening review by Riccardo Betti (University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics) examines a decade of OMEGA direct-drive implosions: pressure and fusion-yield improvements, hydrodynamic extrapolation to ignition, and the limits of that scaling. It connects improved microphysics, diagnostics, targets and statistical design with the balance between compression and three-dimensional stability, then considers broadband lasers and hybrid targets as routes toward higher gain. Troy Carter (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) chairs this session.
The DPP scientific programme runs November 2–6, 2026 at Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. The opening review is November 2, 08:00–09:00 America/Chicago (CST, UTC−06:00). Registration offers in-person and virtual attendance. Invited sessions are livestreamed with Q&A; virtual-only sessions and ePosters are included, with invited/virtual session recordings available for 60 days. Contributed oral sessions and mini-conferences are neither streamed nor recorded.
Registration requires an APS account and is open to members and nonmembers. Listed adult full-plan member fees range from USD 890 to 1,040 in person and USD 630 to 780 virtually; nonmember/basic-plan adult fees range from USD 1,080 to 1,230 and USD 760 to 910 respectively. Student and retired rates differ; undergraduate full-plan members register free. Check the registration portal for the applicable current rate. Optional special events cost extra. Cancellations are due October 19 with a USD 50 deduction; banquet tickets are nonrefundable.