A compact UV timing fiducial system for use with x-ray streak cameras at NIF

We present the design of a compact UV (263-nm) timing fiducial system for use with x-ray streak cameras at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The design consists of remote fiber amplification of an infrared 1053-nm (1 omega) seed, a free-space optical path that has two stages of frequency conversion from 1 omega to the fourth harmonic (4 omega), and fiber delivery of the 4 omega signal via output fiber for use with an x-ray streak camera. This is all contained within an airbox that can reside in a vacuum. The 1 omega seed and the pump light for the fiber amplifier is delivered to the airbox via optical fiber (similar to 100 meters) from a location in the NIF that is shielded from neutron radiation generated from imploding targets during system shots. When complete, the system will be able to provide timing fiducials to multiple x-ray streak cameras on the same system shot. We will present data that demonstrates end-to-end system performance.*