Automated Test System for NIF Flashlamps

Abstract

This paper describes design and operation of the flashlamp test system, used to evaluate the primary laser flashlamps on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, California. The tester delivers repetitive high voltage pulses to a series pair of flashlamps at levels closely simulating those encountered in normal operation. Each lamp pair is subjected to a pre-ionization and main pulse shot sequence, with two minute intervals between shots. This capability allows the manufacturer to test and evaluate the flashlamps for infant mortality and longevity before delivery to NIF [1]. All operations are under computer control with fully automated test and data acquisition capabilities requiring minimal operator input.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA638910

Entities

People

  • E. S. Fulkerson
  • Jud Hammon
  • Pat Creely
  • Robert T. Boyle Jr.
  • Ron Shaw
  • Tim Da Silva

Organizations

  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Capacitors
  • Circuits
  • Computers
  • Control Panels
  • Control Systems
  • Energy
  • Generators
  • High Voltage
  • Intervals
  • Life Tests
  • Power Supplies
  • Pulse Transformers
  • Pulsed Power
  • Sequences
  • Transformers
  • Voltage

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy