Call For Concept Development 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 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 Concept Development proposals to develop experiments in fundamental high energy density (HED) science at the NIF. Specifics for this call follow:

Proposal subject areas, timeframe and eligible applicants: Researchers may apply for one-year contracts with a maximum of $100K to develop ideas for NIF experiments in all areas of fundamental high energy density science. Proposals are due by Jan. 8, 2010.

Applicants are free to submit as many applications as they wish. A separate proposal should be submitted for each proposed experimental concept.

The solicitation is open to national and international scientists from the academic, national laboratory, and private sector located at US institutions.

How to apply: Applications are filed via a web-based form, which includes uploading a PDF file containing a scientific discussion of the proposed experimental concept. The web-based form including the scientific description must be completed and submitted electronically by Jan. 8, 2010. Instructions for completing the scientific description are provided below.

NIF capabilities: The NIF team is focused on high energy density science experiments in support of 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: Proposals 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 scientific description of their proposed experimental concept. The scientific description PDF file must be 6 pages maximum in length and in 12-point font with adequate margins. The scientific description file should contain the following information:

Proposal type: Indicate in the title or header the proposal is a concept development proposal.
Proposal abstract: Provide a concise summary of the scientific issues to be addressed and the potential impact of NIF may have on these issues.
Scientific description: Describe the proposed concept, the key scientific questions to be addressed, the nature of the NIF experiments to be developed, and the potential scientific impact of these NIF experiments. Identify the specific deliverables to be provided. These should include a report to the NIF Director describing a proposed NIF experiment and future actions required to realize the proposed experiment.
Scientific team: Describe the researchers to be involved in the proposed concept development.
Required resources: Provide a short estimate of the top-level NIF capabilities and resources required, including total laser energy, number of beams, and any major new diagnostic, optics, or other capabilities.

Proposal review: An external review team will review the concept development proposals according to the following criteria:

Scientific merit
Technical feasibility
Capability of the scientific team or experimental group
Availability of required resources

The NIF Director will screen all Concept Development Proposals from a policy perspective, including nonproliferation and export control considerations.

Notification of successful applicants: Due to the extension of the original deadline and the large response, applicants will receive a decision in late summer of 2010.

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