Nova alignment and laser diagnostics systems - 1

The alignment and laser diagnostic systems guide laser pulses through the separate amplifier chains to the target, measure their temporal, spatial and energy characteristics, and ensure simultaneous arrival at the target to within 5 picoseconds. Alignment tasks accomplished prior to each target shot involve automatic or remote-manual adjustments of approximately 2000 stepper motors and other actuators for the full 20 beam, 3 wavelength system. The primary detectors for alignment functions are CCD cameras with both digital and standard video output. Diagnostic data handling and processing is accomplished digitally, and both the alignment and diagnostic systems are integrated into the facility-wide digital control network.