Nd:glass laser control system using intelligent CAMAC crate controllers

Trident, a TW class Nd:glass laser system has been constructed in the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory for use in x-radiographic imaging of targets and for diagnostic development in support of the ICF program. The laser utilizes intelligent CAMAC crate controllers to provide rapid time response during the charge and fire cycle, while allowing use of an inexpensive desktop computer for the operations station. Operator setup of the laser configuration before a shot and data collection after a shot are performed by the desktop computer, while time critical tasks are handled by the local intelligence. The control system architecture and details of the local control program will be discussed.