LMJ super-laser for inertial confinement fusion

The construction of the Laser Megajoule is scheduled for the end of 2009. A first step is the construction of a prototype named LIL for 'Ligne d'Integration Laser' which consists of a complete laser bundle of 8 beamlets. The LIL facility, completed at the beginning of 2002, will be equipped with a Target chamber in order to qualify the beam quality and performances on a target and to start laser-plasma experiments at the beginning of 2003. The LIL building is completed and the installation of laser components started in 2000. In order to meet the project schedule, the construction of the LMJ building now under design will take place at the end of 2002. (authors)