Target Area Design Basis and System Performance for the National Ignition Facility

The NIF Target Area is designed for ICF experiments with the goal of fusion ignition. The Target Area must provide appropriate conditions before, during, and after each shot. The repeated introduction of large amounts of laser energy into the chamber and emission of fusion energy from a cryogenic target represent new challenges in ICF facility design. Prior to a shot, the facility provides proper illumination geometry, target chamber vacuum, and a stable platform for the target and its diagnostics. During a shot, the impact of the energy introduced into the chamber is minimized, and workers and the public are protected from excessive prompt radiation doses. After the shot, the residual radioactivation is managed to allow required accessibility. Tritium and other radioactive wastes are controlled and disposed. Diagnostic data is also retrieved, and the facility is readied for the next shot. The Target Area will accommodate yields up to 20 MJ, with a maximum credible yield of 45 MJ. The target area`s design lifetime is 30 years. The Target Area provides the personnel access needed to support experimentation employing precision diagnostics. The annual shot mix for design purposes is shown. Designing to this experimental envelope ensures the ability and flexibility tomore » move through the experimental campaign to ignition efficiently.« less