System for automatic X-ray-image analysis, measurement and sorting of laser fusion targets

The Automatic X-ray image analysis and sorting (AXIAS) system which is designed to analyze and measure X-ray images of opaque hollow microspheres used as laser fusion targets is described. The X-ray images are first recorded on a high resolution film plate. The AXIAS system then digitizes and processes the images to accurately measure the target parameters and defects. The primary goals of the AXIAS system are: (1) to provide extremely accurate and rapid measurements; (2) to engineer a practical system for a routine production environment; and (3) to furnish the capability of automatically measuring an array of images for sorting and selection.