Laser Science and Technology Program Annual Report-2002 NIF Programs Directorate

Abstract

The Laser Science and Technology (LS&T) Program's mission is to develop advanced lasers, optics, materials technologies, and applications to solve problems and create new capabilities of importance to the nation and the Laboratory. A top, near-term priority is to provide technical support in the deployment and upgrade of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Our other program activities synergistically develop technologies that are consistent with the goals of the NIF Directorate and develop state-of-the-art capabilities. The primary objectives of LS&T activities in 2002 have been fourfold--(a) to support deployment of hardware and to enhance laser and optics performance for NIF, (b) to develop high-energy petawatt laser science and technology for the Department of Energy (DOE), (c) to develop advanced solid-state laser systems and optical components for the Department of Defense (DoD), and (d) to invent, develop, and deliver improved concepts and hardware for other government agencies and industry. LS&T activities during 2002 focused on seven major areas: (1) NIF Project-LS&T led major advances in the deployment of NIF Final Optics Assembly (FOA) and the development of 30.1 optics processing and treatment technologies to enhance NIF's operations and performance capabilities. (2) Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP)-LS&T personnel continued development of ultrashort-pulse lasers and high-power, large-aperture optics for applications in SSP, extreme-field science and national defense. To enhance the high-energy petawatt (HEPW) capability in NIF, LS&T continued development of advanced compressor-grating and front-end laser technologies utilizing optical-parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA). (3) High-energy-density physics and inertial fusion energy-LS&T continued development of kW- to MW-class, diode-pumped, solid-state laser (DPSSL). (4) Department of Defense (DoD)-LS&T continued development of a 100 kw-class solid-state heat-capacity laser (SSHCL) for missile defense. (5) Nuclear energy applications-LS&T continued to develop laser-shock peening technology to improve the service lifetime of metal nuclear waste containment canisters designed for DOES Yucca Mountain Project. (6) Materials processing-Under cooperative research and development agreements (CRADA) with U.S. industry, LS&T developed and delivered kW-class solid-state lasers for shock peening and hole drilling of metals. (7) Diffractive optics for space telescopes and petawatt lasers-LS&T continued fabrication of large-aperture beam sampling gratings (BSGs) for NIF, and development of large-scale, lightweight diffractive optics for the next generation of space telescope (Eyeglass).