Development of a Laser-Based Stable K-alpha X-ray Source using Fluorescence

ORAL

Abstract

Several oft-used measurement techniques in high energy-density physics and inertial confinement fusion experiments, including radiography, diffraction, and X-ray Thomson scattering, require a high energy, narrowband x-ray source, preferably from an isolated line emission that is stable throughout the duration of an experiment (of order nanosecond). We investigate and develop a concept comprising a laser-heated target and nearby witness foil, such that the former photopumps the latter, generating fluoresced monochromatic K-alpha for >=1 nanosecond. Two target designs were tested at the OMEGA laser facility: Ge-lined tubes with either a side-mounted or end-mounted Zn foil. The data collected include both the Ge and Zn K-shell X-ray emission spectrum for evaluation of laser to x-ray conversion efficiency as well as backscattered light to evaluate laser coupling to the target. We will discuss the performance of the source platform across minor modifications to target design parameters as well as laser intensity, duration and pulse shapes.

*We acknowledge access to the OMEGA Laser Facility awarded through the National Laser User Facility Program. The work was supported by contract number 89233119CNA000063. This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

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Presenters

  • Christopher S McGuffey

    • General Atomics

Authors

  • Christopher S McGuffey

    • General Atomics

  • Maylis M Dozieres

    • General Atomics

  • Carl Wilde

    • Los Alamos National Lab

  • Alexandre Do

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Pawel Marek Kozlowski

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
    • LANL

  • Carolyn C Kuranz

    • University of Michigan

  • Christine M Mariscal

    • General Atomics