Abstract

The ARGUS laser system is presently performing irradiation experiments leading toward laser fusion at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The laser is a two-arm system with 20-cm final amplifier apertures and is capable of delivering more than 3 TW of focusable power to laser fusion targets. This capability is planned to be upgraded in the near future. In this paper we describe the physical characteristics of the laser and associated facility and some important components incorporated therein, and we shall summarize system performance to date.

© 1976 Optical Society of America