Target area for Nova Upgrade: containing ignition and beyond

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is developing a conceptual design for upgrading the Nova laser from ~50 kJ to ~1.8 MJ of laser energy at a wavelength of 351 nm. Anticipated target performance includes achieving ignition and possibly fusion yields to 20 MJ. The target area design represents a unique challenge since it will be operating in a regime where first wall ablation and optics damage are major issues for the first time in an ICF (inertial confinement fusion) facility. The authors describe potential performance criteria for the facility and anticipated yield-dependent X-ray, neutron, shrapnel, and debris environments. They also briefly describe the different systems that make up the target area and discuss some of the design issues. The insignificant environmental impact Nova Upgrade operations are anticipated to have on the laboratory and surrounding area is discussed. Alternative design options are described, along with their potential benefits