Optimization of the alignment sensitivity and energy stability of the NIF regenerative amplifier cavity

N. W. Hopps; Russell B. Wilcox; Mark Robert Hermann; Mikael D. Martinez; Ernesto H. Padilla; John K. Crane

doi:10.1117/12.354251

23 July 1999 Optimization of the alignment sensitivity and energy stability of the NIF regenerative amplifier cavity

N. W. Hopps, Russell B. Wilcox, Mark Robert Hermann, Mikael D. Martinez, Ernesto H. Padilla, John K. Crane

Proceedings Volume 3492, Third International Conference on Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.354251
Event: Third International Conference on Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion, 1998, Monterey, CA, United States

Abstract

The work to improve the energy stability of the regenerative amplifier for the NIF is described. This includes a fast feed-forward system, designed to regulate the output energy of the regen by monitoring how quickly a pulse builds up over many round trips. Shot-to-shot energy fluctuations of all elements prior to the regen may be compensated for in this way, at the expense of a loss of approximately 50 percent. Also included is a detailed study into the alignment sensitivity of the regen cavity, with the goal of quantifying the effect of misalignment on the output energy. This is done by calculating the displacement of the eigenmode by augmenting the cavity ABCD matrix with the misalignment matrix elements, E, F. In this way, cavity misalignment issues due to thermal loading of the gain medium are investigated. Alternative cavity designs, which reduce the alignment sensitivity and therefore the energy drift over periods of continuous operation, are considered. Alterations to the amplifier head design are also considered.

Citation Download Citation

N. W. Hopps, Russell B. Wilcox, Mark Robert Hermann, Mikael D. Martinez, Ernesto H. Padilla, and John K. Crane "Optimization of the alignment sensitivity and energy stability of the NIF regenerative amplifier cavity", Proc. SPIE 3492, Third International Conference on Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion, (23 July 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.354251

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