MEC - Matter in Extreme Conditions

Proposals to the MEC science area that address inertial fusion energy (IFE) priority research opportunities (PROs) are strongly encouraged. There is a goal of scheduling up to 50% of MEC science experiments in the IFE area, consistent with recent guidance from DOE. Such proposals should be clearly indicated as addressing IFE and identify the relevant PROs from the 2022 IFE Basic Research Needs (BRN) Workshop Report. These proposals will be reviewed by a sub-panel of the MEC PRP consisting of experts in IFE science in collaboration with LaserNetUS, alongside a sub panel for general MEC science. This is part of a broader program to support IFE research at several of the network's node facilities. We encourage users to follow the regular proposal template.

For Run 23 the standard configurations have been modified, with Configuration #1 covering only the XRD variant and Configuration #2 changing from full phase contrast imaging (PCI) to a direct imaging configuration, with imaging lenses placed after the target.

MEC will accept Data Set Collection (DSC) proposals in Run 23. Users are encouraged to consider carefully whether this mode of submission is appropriate for them. Consider the following:

1. The experiment must use a standard configuration offered in the run
2. The beam time should be for completion of an existing data set for publication, ideally one collected in one or more MEC experiments in the same configuration.
3. The scientific case should be fully defensible using the short-form proposal connected to data set collection (combined with reference to prior accepted LCLS proposals if available). If more space is needed to make a competitive scientific case, then a regular standard configuration proposal is more appropriate, regardless of the number of shifts needed.
4. The data collection should be achievable within 1 or 2 shifts. 

DSC proposals should use the MEC Short Proposal Form for data set collection

Starting in Run 23, MEC will be participating in the rapid-access proposal program to provide laser-only time on the long pulse laser for "VISAR shots." This is a formalized procedure for users to submit targets designed for VISAR diagnosis of shock properties in the MEC standard configuration. Rapid access proposals can be submitted at any time and are assessed by the facility. Users with accepted rapid access time can choose to mail in their targets for shots taken by facility instrument scientists during standard configuration commissioning times. Please use the VISAR Rapid Access Form for these proposals.

In addition to the standard configurations, users are encouraged to take advantage of the following developing capabilities at MEC, in consultation with the Instrument Team: 

• The newly-upgraded long pulse laser now offers up to 10 GW peak power, or 100 J in a 10 ns square pulse. 
• The beam delivery platform for the short pulse laser provides for faster and more robust setup of experiments using the short pulse laser, whether in full intensity, frequency doubled, or uncompressed mode. 
• Prototype ultrafast X-ray imaging detectors from Sandia National Laboratory, allowing up to 4 frames separated by few ns, are of particular interest for ns long dynamic studies. These are paired with the developing multi-bucket pulse train capability of the LCLS copper linac. Note: users should not include this detector in a proposal without explicit discussion with, and approval from, MEC instrument scientists.