8.5 User Logistics Approaching the Scheduled Shot Time

The DLI Shot RI, in coordination with the main chamber Shot RI, will finalize all setup parameters (laser pulse and target configuration) for the experiment using the NIF’s Shot Setup Tool (SST). Once the parameters have been submitted in SST, multiple expert groups will review the submitted configuration to ensure that the target and laser pulse have been reviewed and approved for the requested use case. The approvals of the various expert groups (TaLIS, BLIP, and Hazards Review Committee) are tracked using NIF’s Approval Manager (AppMan). All experiments go through the Setup Review three weeks before the shot date to ensure readiness and begin preparation for execution.

Once the setup is finalized and approved by all expert groups, the experiment is reviewed by the NIF Operations Manager (NOM) for final approval. The test object will need to be ready for delivery to the NIF facility two weeks prior to the shot, along with associated installation and connection procedures. NIF operations staff will load the test object into the chamber and connect any diagnostic cabling to the cable feedthroughs. Leading up to the shot, the DLI PI and the PI’s team will have the opportunity to set up the required diagnostics and test their functionality with the installed test object. The NIF is a 24/7 facility and access to the DLI test chamber could be at any time of the day/night. Access will have to be done in coordination with the NIF Control Room to not interfere with other Target Bay activities. The day of the shot, the main-chamber shot RI and/or the DLI PI provide a pre-shot briefing to the Shot Director and NIF Operations staff. Within hours after the experiment, the test object will be removed from the chamber.