History was made on December 5, 2022, when the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a net energy gain of 1.1 Megajoules (MJ) during an experimental fusion laser shot of 2.05 MJ. This was a momentous event that was many years in the making. Since first firing all 192 beams on March 31, 2009, NIF has undergone adjustments to the laser while adding many diagnostic tools to reach this significant achievement.
Being the world’s largest most energetic laser, NIF is operated and maintained as several unique configured systems, one of these being laser safety. Configuration System Management (CSM) has provided the means to maintain the facility “as built” or “modified” through strict control ensuring safe operation. This paper will discuss NIF’s main laser system, some of its diagnostics and how they were safely used to achieve ignition.