Chamber-protection issues for near-target experiments in NIF

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) will support multiple user groups who will use MF's unique capability to generate intense pulses of x-ray, neutro n and gamma radiation from non-ignition and ignition targets. Contamination of the final-optics debris shields by target, near-target, and remobilized first-wall debris will determine the types of experiments that can be fiel ded. Some of these experimental packages will require target-facing surface s that nearly enclose the target. Due to the short stand-off distances of t hese surfaces, x-ray ablation inside these confined spaces will generate co nditions in MF quite similar to those envisioned for future Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) target chambers like HYLIFE. The design of these NIF experime nts provides an excellent opportunity to apply the analytical target-chambe r design tools the IFE research community has created, and in a synergistic way, these experiments will in turn provide a rich source of experimental data for IFE target-chamber research.