The Omega Fusion Laser System

TLDR: The OMEGA laser irradiation facility as mentioned in this paper was designed as a National "Users" facility for laser-matter interaction studies on spherical targets, with a focus on the laser system, target system and control room.

Abstract: The OMEGA laser irradiation facility is described with particular emphasis on the laser system, target system and control room. Some of the major systeths integration efforts are explained as well as their interactions. Design considerations and their impact on system performance and schedule are discussed. The problems of operating a users' facility for laser interaction experiments are mentioned. The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester has designed and is preparing to construct a 30 terawatt neodymium glass laser irradiation facility, called OMEGA, for experiments in laser fusion. This paper describes the various subsystems contained in the facility and some of the requirements for system integration. A detailed description of the Beam Synchronization Subsystem is included as a specific example of the complex systems integration effort involved in the construction of the OMEGA system. OMEGA is designed as a National "Users" facility for laser-matter interaction studies on spherical targets. Figure 1 lists the general system objectives in terms of the overall characteristics and requirements for this sort of facility.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.