LLNL, Livermore, California, USA
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is operated by the Integrated Computer Control System in an object-oriented, CORBA-based system distributed among over 1800 front-end processors, embedded controllers and supervisory servers. At present, NIF operates 24x7 and conducts a variety of fusion, high energy density and basic science experiments. During the past year, the control system was expanded to include a variety of new diagnostic systems, and programmable laser beam shaping and parallel shot automation for more efficient shot operations. The system is also currently being expanded with an Advanced Radiographic Capability, which will provide short (<10 picoseconds) ultra-high power (>1 Petawatt) laser pulses that will be used for a variety of diagnostic and experimental capabilities. Additional tools have been developed to support experimental planning, experimental setup, facility configuration and post shot analysis, using open-source software, commercial workflow tools, database and messaging technologies. This talk discusses the current status of the control and information systems to support a wide variety of experiments being conducted on NIF including ignition experiments.
LLNL, Livermore, California, USA
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world’s largest and most energetic laser system and has the potential to generate significant levels of ionizing radiation. The NIF employs real time safety systems to monitor and mitigate the potential hazards presented by the facility. The Machine Safety System (MSS) monitors key components in the facility to allow operations while also protecting against configurations that could damage equipment. The NIF Safety Interlock System (SIS) monitors for oxygen deficiency, radiological alarms, and controls access to the facility preventing exposure to laser light and radiation. Together the SIS and MSS control permissives to the hazard generating equipment and annunciate hazard levels in the facility. To do this reliably and safely, the SIS and MSS have been designed as fail safe systems with a proven performance record now spanning over 12 years. This presentation discusses the SIS and MSS, design, implementation, operator interfaces, validation/verification, and the hazard mitigation approaches employed in the NIF. A brief discussion of common failures encountered in the design of safety systems and how to avoid them will be presented.