Omega automated laser control and data acquisition

This paper describes a computing system which is an integral component of a large and complex laser system. The computing system is dedicated to real-time control, data acquisition, analysis, and display. The computing and laser systems evolved simultaneously, resulting in a very close coupling between both systems. The computing system has been divided into a number of subsystems including power conditioning, alignment, diagnostic data acquisition, and data reduction. These subsystems operate almost autonomously, resulting in the reliability inherent with loosely coupled noninterfering computers. The system and its subsystems are described, including details about the laser system where appropriate.