Timeline – 2001

OMEGA Extended Performance Laser Proposed
In October 2001, LLE proposed a major enhancement to the OMEGA Laser System to include four new high-energy beamlines, a versatile high-intensity capability, and a new auxiliary target chamber. The high-intensity beams would be generated using the chirped-pulse–amplification technique originally developed and demonstrated at LLE in 1985.

Cryogenic Target Implosions Continued
With the completion of the improvements to the OMEGA Cryogenic Target Handling System in August 2001, cryogenic target implosions were restarted. Five target shots were successfully performed using layered and characterized thin-wall targets.

Simulations based on ray-tracing calculations show that the 60 OMEGA beams are both reflected from the front of the target and refracted from behind the target into the camera lens. In this way, all 60 laser spots are visible in the photograph.