Energy and technology review

During the past year, substantial progress has been made toward laser fusion, laser isotope separation, and the development of advanced laser media, the three main thrusts of the LLL laser program. A high-stability space frame to support the 20-beam Shiva laser system within exacting tolerances is described. Studies of small-scale self-focusing and whole-beam distortion on Cyclops have enabled one to control these nonlinear propagation phenomena and improve beam brightness. A new form of spectroscopy is providing important experimental data on the excited states of uranium. Practical application of this new knowledge--laser isotope separation--could save the nation billions of dollars annually