Laser thermonuclear fusion and physics of pulsed plasma with ultrahigh energy density

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 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 fusion is presented, with emphasis placed on the role of the Lebedev Physical Institute.