The Nova laser fusion facility

Consideration is given to a laser-fusion research facility designed for developing inertial confinement fusion applications for both the military and for energy sources. The laser system has master-oscillator power-amplifier architecture. A collimated laser pulse traverses progressively larger amplifier sections between the oscillator and the target. The beam diameter is expanded in increments by spatial filters in the chain. The chain's large-output sections require extensions of existing Shiva optical technology. A plasma shutter will isolate the laser from potentially damaging reflections from the target. Using MALAPROP, a fast Fourier transform code, numerical damage thresholds have been established for various components of surface-preparation technology. Values have also been determined for inter-chain peak fluence as a function along the laser chain for a 9.4-kJ, 1-ns pulse. The system's amplifiers will have rectangular internal geometry, permitting more efficient flashlamp pumping. Split disks will reduce parasitic amplification