The Nike Electron Beam-Pumped KrF Laser Amplifiers
Abstract
Nike is a recently completed multi kilojoule krypton fluoride (KrF) laser that has been built to study the physics of direct drive inertial confinement fusion. The two final amplifiers of the Nike Laser are both electron beam pumped systems. The smaller of the two has a 20 em x 20 em aperture and produces an output laser beam energy in excess of 1 00 Joules. This 20 em Amplifier uses a single 12 kJ Marx generator to produce two 300 kV, 75 kA, 140 nsec flat top electron beams that are injected into opposite sides of the laser cell. The larger amplifier in Nike has a 60 em x 60 em aperture, and amplifies the laser beam up to 5 kJ. This 60 em Amplifier has two independent electron beam systems, with each side powered by a 170 kJ Marx Generator that produces a 670 kV, 540 kA, 240 nsec flat top electron beam. Both amplifiers are complete, fully integrated into the laser, and meet the Nike system requirements. Laser-target experiments have begun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA637225
Entities
People
- I. D. Smith
- P. A. Corcoran
- R. A. Altes
- T. Lehecka
- W. D. Webster
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory