The National Ignition Facility (NIF) on the Path to Fusion Energy

Abstract

Summary form only given. NIF is over 90% complete with 48 beams having been commissioned in the laser bay producing over 1 MJ of 1omega light. This makes NIF nearly two orders of magnitude more energetic than previous ICF laser systems. Experiments in the Precision Diagnostic System (PDS) have shown that NIF meets all of its performance specifications on a beam line basis. Four beams were activated to target chamber center in 2003 for target experiments. These experiments produced important physics results demonstrating the scientific potential of NIF as well as testing the end to end functionality of the system. The Project will be completed in 2009 and ignition experiments will begin in 2010. The National Ignition Campaign (NIC) has been established having all of the research and development required to execute the ignition plan and develop NIF into a fully operational facility. NIF will explore the ignition space, including direct drive, 2omega ignition, and fast ignition, to optimize target efficiency for developing a platform for fusion burn research and for developing fusion as an energy source. Progress in NIF, NIC, and the path forward for fusion energy will be presented.