DTRA National Ignition Facility (NIF)

Abstract

Abstract : JASON was asked to address the utility of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) mission of determining the effects on DoD systems of the X-ray environments produced by nuclear weapons. Many DoD systems, such as re-entry vehicles and satellites, have survivability requirements that cannot presently be tested. A modest joint research and development program by NIF scientists and DTRA should, within a few years, enable useful large dose-area testing of important DoD systems that cannot be performed with any other facility, existing or planned. The fidelity with which the X-ray sources that the NIF can produce will simulate a particular nuclear weapons X-ray environment requires detailed analysis. A much longer-term possibility is that the X-rays produced by high-gain fusion ignition capsules might provide a capability closer to that of UGT's, particularly in the 15-100 keV X-ray band. We conclude that DRTA should monitor developments in the NIF ignition campaign and open discussions with NIF scientists on the development of a high fidelity x-ray environment for large area testing, including addressing the neutron eradication question, when ignition has been achieved.