Rotational-shearing interferometric characterization of inertial fusion targets

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.572159· OSTI ID:5879615

Powers, T F; Miller, J R

Inertial fusion targets have strict requirements on sphericity, surface smoothness, and layer thickness uniformity. Interferometric characterization techniques have been extensively used to measure target quality. An imperfect target, which can be described as a superposition of defect components on a perfect shell, produces an interferogram with the defect and perfect shell components combined. Separation of the defect-produced components in a target interferogram from the concentric fringe pattern produced by a perfect target is often difficult and limits precise interpretation of the target defects. We have utilized the rotational symmetry of a perfect target to improve defect detection sensitivity by using rotational-shearing interferometry. One advantage of this approach is that rotationally symmetric objects are in phase, making only the nonrotationally symmetric defects visible. Another advantage is that shell nonconcentricity can be measured independently of shell thickness. We have developed a simple analytical model which describes the interferometer's operation and constructed and tested a prototype device for fusion target characterization.

• Research Organization: Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623
• OSTI ID: 5879615
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN JVTAD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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