DTRA National Ignition Facility (NIF)
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA524074
Entities
People
- D. Hammer
Organizations
- MITRE Corporation