Precision Nova Operations

To improve the symmetry of x-ray drive on indirectly driven ICF capsules, we have increased the accuracy of operating procedures and diagnostics on the Nova laser. Precision Nova operations include routine precision power balance to within 10% rms in the 'foot' and 5% rms in the peak of shaped pulses, beam synchronization to within 10 ps rms, and pointing of the beams onto targets to within 35 micrometer rms. We have also added a 'fail-safe chirp' system to avoid stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical components during high energy shots.