Repairing and Finishing NIF Optics
Optics group leader Joe Menapace adjusts operation of the magneto-rheological finishing (MRF) polisher during finishing of a refurbished wedged focus lens (WFL). WFLs are wedged-shaped lenses in the NIF final optics assemblies that focus and direct the beamlines to the center of the Target Chamber. Tiny sub-micron flaws can grow and damage the lenses when they are subjected to the intense ultraviolet light from the NIF lasers. In-house refurbishing and recycling discrepant lenses saves money and time compared to off-site refinishing or replacement (see
“Keeping NIF Optics on the Job”). About 60 optics a year are finished or repaired using the MRF process. Credit: James Pryatel
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