Atlas: a new high performance system and the optical-transponder DC probe as applied to bank controls instrumentation-and a little history

Conceived in the early 1990s, Atlas is the successor to the Pegasus Pulse Power, Hydrodynamic Facility. Pegasus II operated at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1993 to 1999 performing experiments in plasma physics, instabilities and the properties of materials under extreme conditions. The Atlas design team began to form in the fall of 1994. The Atlas design was focused on both the need for higher currents and for exceptionally good diagnostic access and convenience. This paper discusses reliability and key components of Atlas. Machine controls, optical transponder and charge voltage monitoring are also discussed.