A Simulation of the NIF Ignition Campaign

The National Ignition Campaign comprises a series of experiments to tune the laser pulse shape, implosion symmetry, and target parameters to achieve conditions required for ignition. We have performed a simulated campaign to test the NIC strategy and build infrastructure. A blue team carried out the campaign, including specifying targets, laser pulses and diagnostic configuration, analyzing simulated data and making tuning choices. The actual NIF shot setup protocol was employed. A red team, representing nature, generated mock data for the NIF diagnostic suite using a computer code employing a hidden physics model. Anticipated noise and uncertainties were incorporated. Examples of data are Dante scope voltage traces and gated microchannel plate x-ray images. The campaign included energetics, symmetry, and shock timing shots. Following the tuning process, several ignition shots were attempted. This exercise has lead to improvements in the NIC tuning strategy.