SHOT AUTOMATION FOR THE NATIONAL IGNITION FACILITY

A shot automation framework has been developed and deployed during the past year to automate shots performed on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) using the Integrated Computer Control System This framework automates a 4-8 hour shot sequence, that includes inputting shot goals from a physics model, set up of the laser and diagnostics, auto matic alignment of laser beams and verification of status. This sequence consists of set of preparat ory verification shots, leading to amplified system shots using a 4-minute countdown, triggering during the last 2 seconds using a high-precision timing system, followed by post-shot analysis and archiving. The framework provides for a flexible, model- based execution driven of scriptable automation called macro steps. The framework is driven by high- level shot director software that provides a restrict ed set of shot life cycle state transitions to 25 collaboration supervisors that automate 8-lase r beams (bundles) and a common set of shared resources. Each collaboration supervisor commands approximately 10 subsystem shot supervisors that perform automated control and status verifica tion. Collaboration supervisors translate shot life cycle state commands from the shot director into se quences of "macro steps" to be distributed to each of its shot supervisors. Each Shot supervisor maintains order of macro steps for each subsystem and supports collaboration between macro steps. They al so manage failure, restarts and rejoining into the shot cycle (if necessary) and manage auto/manual macro step execution and collaborations between other collaboration supervisors. Shot supervisors execute macro step shot functions commanded by collaboration supervisors. Each macro step h as database-driv en verification phases and a scripted perform phase. This provides for a highly flexible methodology for performing a variety of NIF shot types. Database tables define the order of work and dependencies (workflow) of macro steps to be performed for a shot. A graphical model editor fa cilitates the definition and viewing of an execution model. A change manager tool enables "de-participation" of individual devices, of entire laser segments (beams, quads, or bundles of beams) or i ndividual diagnostics. This software has been deployed to the NIF facility and is currently being used to support NIF main laser commissioning shots and build-out of the NIF laser. This will be used to automate future target and experimental shot campaigns.