Defense in depth: laser safety and the National Ignition Facility

Jamie J. King

doi:10.1117/12.879274

18 February 2011 Defense in depth: laser safety and the National Ignition Facility

Jamie J. King

Proceedings Volume 7916, High Power Lasers for Fusion Research; 791617 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879274
Event: SPIE LASE, 2011, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the largest and most energetic laser in the world contained in a complex the size of a football stadium. From the initial laser pulse, provided by telecommunication style infrared nanoJoule pulsed lasers, to the final 192 laser beams (1.8 Mega Joules total energy in the ultraviolet) converging on a target the size of a pencil eraser, laser safety is of paramount concern. In addition to this, there are numerous high-powered (Class 3B and 4) diagnostic lasers in use that can potentially send their laser radiation travelling throughout the facility. With individual beam paths of up to 1500 meters and a workforce of more than one thousand, the potential for exposure is significant. Simple laser safety practices utilized in typical laser labs just don't apply. To mitigate these hazards, NIF incorporates a multi layered approach to laser safety or "Defense in Depth."

Citation Download Citation

Jamie J. King "Defense in depth: laser safety and the National Ignition Facility", Proc. SPIE 7916, High Power Lasers for Fusion Research, 791617 (18 February 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879274

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