Call For Facility Time Proposals

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a 192-beam laser system designed for research in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and other areas of high energy density (HED) science. NIF was constructed by the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in support of the US Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). NIF construction was completed on March 27, 2009. NIF is now operational and the most powerful ICF laser facility in the world.

LLNL is issuing a call for proposals for experiments in fundamental high energy density science experiments at the NIF for the period FY2010-FY2012. Specifics are contained below.

Proposal subject areas, timeframe and eligible applicants: Researchers may apply for NIF facility time to execute experiments in fundamental high energy density science. Direct financial support for NIF experiments via this call is not available at this time, though the facility will provide internal support consistent with available capabilities and resources.

Applicants are free to submit as many applications as they wish. A separate proposal must be submitted for each proposed experiment.

Applicants for NIF facility time will need to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to submission of a full proposal. Letters of Intent are due by Jan. 8, 2010.

The timeframe for awards will be FY2010-FY2012. The solicitation is open to national and international scientists from the academic, national laboratory, and private sector. All researchers involved in NIF experiments will be required to follow LLNL policies and procedures regarding site access, computer use, and other topics.

How to apply: Applications are filed via a web-based form, which includes uploading a PDF file containing the Letter of Intent. The web-based form including the Letter of Intent must be completed and submitted electronically by Jan. 8, 2010. Applicants approved for submission of a full proposal will be notified by the NIF Director no later than Feb. 6, 2010. Full proposals are due two months from the date of notification by the NIF Director. Further information on the Letter of Intent submission process is given below.

NIF capabilities: The NIF team is focused on high energy density science experiments in support of the Stockpile Stewardship Program, including the National Ignition Campaign (NIC), a national effort to demonstrate fusion and thermonuclear burn in the laboratory. The NIF team has developed a number of unique, world-class capabilities in support of the NIC and the stewardship program. These capabilities are described here. Applicants are encouraged to leverage existing NIF experimental capabilities and platforms whenever possible. This will provide an efficient means to build the NIF user community and advance fundamental high energy density science consistent with available resources.

Proposal content: Letters of Intent should be filed via the NIF web-based system and are due by Jan. 8, 2010. Applicants will be required to upload a PDF file containing a Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI must be 3 pages maximum in length and in 12-point font with adequate margins. The LOI file should contain the following information:

Proposal type: Indicate in the title or header the proposal is a NIF facility time proposal.
Scientific discussion: Describe the purpose for the proposed experiment, the key scientific questions are addressed, the proposed experimental method (including number of shots per year for; 2010, 2011 and 2012, laser energy and beam configuration, desired modifications), and expected results. Please specify the desired platform:
1. Radiation Transport
2. Materials
3. Hohlraum Energetics
4. Capsule Tuning
5. Capsule Implosion or
6. Other
Experimental feasibility: Describe the degree to which the experiment is uniquely suited to NIF and the feasibility of NIF for conducting the proposed work.
Experimental team: Identify the principal investigator and collaborators. List their:
1. Full Name
2. Affiliation
3. E-mail address
4. Phone Number
5. Citizenship
Required capabilities and resources: Provide a short (approximately one paragraph) estimate of the capabilities and resources required within and external to NIF to execute the experiment, including, required NIF facility time, diagnostics and user optics, and the like. Include any additional information on target alignment requirements, facility impacts (specifically; neutron yield, material usage and user provided equipment). More detailed resource information will be requested for those asked to submit full proposals.

Information for submission of full proposals for NIF facility use will be provided in the near future.

Proposal review: Letters of Intent will be reviewed for overall facility suitability. Detailed technical review of NIF Facility Use proposals will occur following full proposal submission.

The NIF Director will screen all Letters of Intent from a policy perspective, including nonproliferation and export control considerations. All applicants will receive a decision on NIF facility time allocation no later than June 1, 2010.

Notification of successful applicants: Applicants approved for submission of a full proposal will be notified by the NIF Director no later than Feb. 6, 2010. Full proposals are due two months from the date of notification by the NIF Director.

Applicants ultimately granted NIF facility time will be required to follow all LLNL policies and procedures regarding site access, safety, security, environment, safety, and health, and computer access, and will be required to sign a standard User Agreement.

Questions: All questions regarding the proposal process should be submitted to the NIF User Office.

Further information is available at the links above or contact:

Christopher J. Keane, LLNL
PHONE: (925) 422-2179
E-MAIL: Contact us