Timeline – 2004

Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cell
Based on NIF technology and developed with the assistance of LLNL scientists, a new plasma-electrode Pockels cell (PEPC) was developed at LLE for the OMEGA EP system. The LLE-engineered PEPC was assembled and active plasma testing was initiated. This single-unit electro-optic switch is an adaptation of the NIF PEPC design with circular windows and a single-beam plasma channel.

OMEGA EP Building Construction Completed
The OMEGA EP building construction was completed in December 2004. This facility was completed in 2008.

Defense Programs Award of Excellence
On August 18, 2004, Capt. Steven J. Loucks (USN Ret.), LLE Deputy Director and the Director of the LLE Engineering and Administrative Divisions, received the Defense Programs Award of Excellence from Dr. Everet H. Beckner, Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs of the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration. The Award was presented to Capt. Loucks for outstanding project management and operational performance of the OMEGA Laser Facility. This prestigious award is usually given to someone from a national laboratory. Only one or two such awards are given annually.