LLNL researchers developed a driver design for IFE-class lasers that allow for simultaneous high energy and high repetition rate operations.  The LLNL invention integrates an amplifier head featuring a mosaic architecture with a modified high power diode delivery system that is designed to achieve uniform and geometry-match illumination of the mosaic structured amplifier module. 

This invention proposes achieving the same effect of a single, high intensity pulse through the use of a closely spaced burst of short duration pulses. By keeping the intensity of the individual pulses below the damage threshold the risk of catastrophic damage is greatly mitigated. Additionally, the pulses are directed to strike the target at locations temporally and spatially sufficiently…

This invention proposes the use of a nonlinear spectral broadening subsystem as a post-CPA pulse compression add-on for high energy laser systems. The proposed solution utilizes the beam profile of a high peak power laser as a reference to shape a highly transmissive nonlinear plastic (e.g., CR39) itself to ensure a spatially homogeneous nonlinear spectral broadening.