Measurements of shock heating using Al absorption spectroscopy in planar targets (abstract)
In direct-drive laser fusion, the tradeoff between stability and overall efficiency requires precise control of the implosion isentrope. Most target designs use the temporal shape of the drive pulse to create shocks that slightly preheat the capsule shell and establish the isentrope for the rest of the implosion. Also, the use of foam overcoatings has been proposed as a means to reduce laser imprinting. These foams can alter the structure and intensity of the initial shock. To ensure that our hydrocodes adequately model these effects it is important that shock heating of targets be measured and understood. We report on measurements of shock heating in planar targets irradiated with the OMEGA laser system. Planar 20-{mu}m-thick CH targets were irradiated with six ultraviolet (UV) beams at intensities of {approx}2x10{sup 14}W/cm{sup 2} with temporally square and ramped pulses. Some targets also have low-density foam (30 mg/cc) on the irradiated surface. A thin (0.5 {mu}m) Al layer, imbedded in the target, is probed with x rays from a Sm backlighter. The 1s-2p absorption lines in the Al are observed with a streaked x-ray spectrometer. The absorption lines from the F-like to Ne-like ion populations provide a measure of the temperature of the target as a function of time. We present data on measurements that show the relative shock heating by square and ramp pulses. We also present results of atomic physics calculations1 of the absorption spectra that are used to infer the target temperature and show results from hydrodynamic simulations of the experiments.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40204831
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 72, Issue 1; Other Information: Othernumber: RSINAK000072000001001257000001; 752101CON; PBD: Jan 2001; ISSN 0034-6748
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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