Subpicosecond X-Ray Streak Camera Development For Laser-Fusion Diagnostics
Abstract
In laser-fusion interactions the effectiveness of coupling laser energy into target compression can be followed by obtaining spatial and temporal information on x-radiation emitted by the target. Microballoon targets now used require temporal resolution of better than a few picoseconds to track accurately target collapse and disassembly. Instabilities of two picoseconds or less are predicted for the process. Most streak cameras are based upon a sector-focused streak tube, which in the design limit is capable of only about 10 ps x-ray resolution. Therefore, a new tube, based upon the proximity-focused or wafer intensifier was developed as a laser-fusion diagnostic capable in the design limit of delivering truly sub-picosecond x-ray resolution. A new power supply was also developed to drive the streak tube. Together, a camera has resulted with true picosecond capability, small size, high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, high spatial resolution, and very low jitter. The system has proved 98% reliable in over 300 laser shots providing data on the collapse of microballoons when irradiated by a dual beam Nd:YAG laser. Theoretical predictions of 2.5 to 3 ps resolution are consistent with experimental data. A visible variant of the design now under construction is expected to give sub-picosecond resolution with advantages similar to the x-ray system.
- Publication:
-
International Congress on High Speed Photography Photonics, 12th
- Pub Date:
- September 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.955216
- Bibcode:
- 1977SPIE...97..194L
- Keywords:
-
- High Speed Cameras;
- Laser Fusion;
- Picosecond Pulses;
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Streak Cameras;
- X Ray Apparatus;
- Focusing;
- High Resolution;
- Image Intensifiers;
- Image Resolution;
- Reliability Analysis;
- Yag Lasers;
- Instrumentation and Photography