The National Ignition Campaign (NIC) "blue Team/Red Team" Simulated Campaigns (Sim-Cams)

Abstract

The Point design Target of the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) has specifications and tolerances that have been set using a multi variable sensitivity study (MVSS). The sub component interactions and sensitivities that feed the MVSS have been calculated using sophisticated target physics radiation hydro-codes. However, it is cannot be guaranteed that the point design configuration has been specified with enough precision for ignition to occur without first correcting for possible off-sets due to physics uncertainties in the data models used in these studies. For this reason the NIC includes a series of tuning experiments, which have been designed and sequenced to systematically remove potential off-sets in specified target and laser parameters as efficiently and effectively as possible. In order to test the tuning techniques and logic the NIC has been executing Simulated Campaigns (Sim-Cam's). In the Sim-Cam's are a Blue Team and a Red Team. The Blue Team conducts the experiments, making shot-to-shot decisions on how to adjust the laser pulse or target parameters, based on "experimental" data provided by the Red Team who simulate the laser, target and diagnostics performance. To capture a plausible off-set between nature and models the Red Team construct a new virtual reality by adjusting the physics data and models, keeping the changes within their best estimate of uncertainties. The Red Team also include much of the shot-to-shot variability due to small laser and target variations that can be expected in NIF experiments, as well as diagnostic noise. The details of all of this are kept hidden from the Blue Team. The Sim-Cam's also serve to test and improve the infrastructure and processes for executing the NIF experiments. The role of the Simulated Campaigns in preparing for the NIC experimental plan will be described, and some of the results discussed. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.