title: High-energy krypton fluoride lasers for inertial fusion.
abstract: Laser fusion researchers have realized since the 1970s that the deep UV light from excimer lasers would be an advantage as a driver for robust high-performance capsule implosions for inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Most of this research has centered on the krypton-fluoride (KrF) laser. In this article we review the advantages of the KrF laser for direct-drive ICF, the history of high-energy KrF laser development, and the present state of the art and describe a development path to the performance needed for laser fusion and its energy application. We include descriptions of the architecture and performance of the multi-kilojoule Nike KrF laser-target facility and the 700 J Electra high-repetition-rate KrF laser that were developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Nike and Electra are the most advanced KrF lasers for inertial fusion research and energy applications.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Obenschain
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lehmberg
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kehne
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hegeler
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolford
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sethian
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karasik