Design of the National Ignition Facility diagnostic instrument manipulator

Abstract

The diagnostic instrument manipulator ͑DIM͒ provides a diagnostic platform to insert and retract a variety of instruments into and out of the National Ignition Facility target chamber. The DIM is a two-stage telescoping system, designed to fit on any of the DIM designated diagnostic ports on the target chamber, and will provide precision radial positioning, pointing, and alignment-to-target capability. The DIM provides a standard set of utilities, and cables to support the operation of instruments that require insertion into the target chamber. The DIM provides for positioning of diagnostic packages, and enables exchange of manipulator diagnostics between fusion laboratories. Principal design requirements for the DIM are presented. A half-length prototype of the DIM was designed and fabricated by Atomic Weapons Establishment in England and is being tested at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The results of this testing are presented.

A test cassette for x-ray-exposure experiments at the National Ignition Facility

“…In ada) fournier2@llnl.gov b) jfisher@gray-research.com c) cdavidnewlander@yahoo.com d) Phillip.Jenkins@nrl.navy.mil dition, there are three diagnostic instrument manipulators (DIMs) 9 at set locations on the target chamber (two on the chamber's equator, one at the chamber's upper pole) that allow for servicing or change of a diagnostic during a shot cycle.…”

The effect of shock dynamics on compressibility of ignition-scale National Ignition Facility implosions

“…Between 1 and 4 spectrometers are fielded on the polar (0-0) and equatorial (90-78) diagnostic manipulators (DIMs) 33 . Each WRF provides a complete spectral measurement of the D 3 He protons, from which yield, ρR, and R cm are inferred.…”

Diagnostics development plan for ZR.

“…0° radial access would also be desirable for neutron diagnostics. A retractable diagnostic insertion manipulator (DIM) [87] of some type would be required for radial diagnostic operation in this arrangement. There is also a radial access requirement for a cryogenic system to insert frozen DT fuel capsules into the secondary hohlraum.…”

“…The Diagnostic Insertion Manipulator (DIM) is a device for inserting and accurately positioning diagnostic packages into large spherical laser target chambers that require retraction of the instruments for chamber interior cleaning and maintenance [87]. DIMs with common design and in several sizes have been developed for use on target chambers at the Nova, OMEGA, and NIF facilities (Fig.…”