First cut the problem into three parts: the physics, the engineering, and the money. For the physics, run a quick sensitivity analysis—pick the key parameters like laser energy, spot size, and target thickness and see how the yield changes. Keep the mesh size small only where you need it, the rest can be coarse. For the engineering, use a modular target design so you can swap out the most expensive layers if the budget runs low. Then apply a linear programming or Lagrange multiplier trick: set the total cost as your constraint, maximize the figure of merit from the physics step. Iterate this loop until the marginal gain from a higher‑grade component is less than the dollar cost. Finally, lock the schedule: set milestones for design, fabrication, and test, and build in a 10 % buffer for surprises. If you can’t afford a perfect target, go with the next‑best one that still hits the physics thresholds—quality over polish. That’s the algorithm. Now get to work.

Got it. Let’s take the ignition threshold as a hard cut. Plug the current laser energy into the energy–yield curve, then back‑solve for the minimum areal density that hits the threshold. That gives us the target thickness. From there, compute the cost per unit of that layer, add the supporting structure cost, and see if the sum fits under the budget. If it just squeaks above, reduce the laser energy a step, re‑run the curve, and see if the margin stays acceptable. Keep the buffer at 10 % of the deadline. That’s the sweet spot. Ready to run the numbers?

Laser energy: 1.2 MJ Cost per g/cm² of the target layer: $50,000 Total budget: $5,000,000 Fixed structural cost: $500,000

Looks solid. Keep the laser specs tight, double‑check the alignment tolerances, and if you hit the 35 g/cm² line, just tighten the spot size a notch. Budget’s clean, schedule’s tight, margin’s there. Ready to fire the plan.