Using Proton Radiography to Measure Rayleigh-Taylor-Induced Magnetic Fields

The Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) hydrodynamic instability can compromise the shell integrity during the acceleration phase of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) implosions. RT-induced magnetic fields on the order of a mega-Gauss have been theoretically predicted and simulated, but never measured. If present, these self-generated fields will reduce the heat flux and affect the implosion dynamics. A method for measuring these fields using a combination of mono-energetic proton radiography, X-ray radiography, and Monte-Carlo simulations is described. Scaled length estimates based on mono-energetic proton radiographs, suggest RT-induced magnetic fields of order $\sim $0.3 MG. This work was performed at the LLE NLUF, and was supported in part by the US DOE, LLNL, LLE and FSC.