Measurements of the release of alpha quartz: a new standard for impedance-match experiments

Previous laser-driven-shock measurements of the kinematic$^{1}$ and thermal$^{2}$ properties of alpha quartz at 200-1500 GPa enabled the use of quartz as a reshock `anvil'$^{3}$, a pressure witness$^{1}$, and a temperature reference$^{4}$. We present measurements of the release of alpha quartz into SiO2 aerogel whose EOS had been calibrated by direct measurments$^{5}$. These results establish alpha quartz as an impedance-match standard which, because of its transparency, enables accurate measurements of the velocity (pressure) profile in the pusher. [1] Hicks, D. G., \textit{et al.} Phys. Plasmas 12, 082702 (2005). [2] Hicks, D. G., \textit{et al.} Phys Rev Lett 97, 025502 (2006) [3] Boehly, T. R\textit{ et al}. Phys. Plasmas 11(9): L49-L52 (2004). [4] Brygoo, S \textit{et al.} Ph.D. thesis, publicaton in prep. [5] Knudson, M. \textit{et al.} JAP 97, 073514 (2005) Supported by the USDOE Office of Inertial Confinement Fusion under Coop. Agreement No. DE-FC03-92SF19460, the U. of Rochester, and the NYSEDA. This support does not constitute an endorsement by DOE of the views expressed in this article.