Along the Laser Beampath

The Master Oscillator Room
NIF laser pulses are born in the master oscillator room, in which a compact laser oscillator generates low-energy (a few nanojoules) laser pulses. The oscillator pulse is shaped in time and frequency-broadened, using the small range of multiple wavelengths produced in the fiber laser, to help smooth the intensity of the laser beam when it is ultimately focused on the target. There are 48 independent pulse shaping systems, and each of the pulses is transported on separate fiber optic cables to 48 preamplifier modules for further amplification.

Photo Number: NIF-1201-04100_18
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