Mercury and beyond: diode-pumped solid-state lasers for inertial fusion energy

We have begun building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of new generation diode-pumped solid-state lasers for inertial fusion researc h. Mercury will integrate three key technologies: diodes, crystals and gas cooling, within a unique laser architecture that is scalable to kilojoules and megajoule energy levels for fusion energy applications. The primary nea r-term performance goals include 10% electrical efficiencies at 10 Hz and 1 00 J with a 2-10 ns pulse length at 1.047 mum wavelength. When completed, M ercury will allow rep-rated target experiments with multiple chambers for h igh energy density physics research. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Edition s scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.