Progress on Deuterium EOS Measurements on Z
Recent NOVA laser experiments featuring ablatively-generated data on very small liquid deuterium samples have shown an unexpected degree of compressibility in deuterium as it undergoes molecular dissociation to a metallic phase above 25 GPa. To test these controversial results under somewhat different shock loading conditions, we have developed a cryogenic target system on the Sandia Z pulsed radiation source for precision EOS studies of liquid deuterium using radiation-driven shocks. Experiments am underway to develop a constant pressure drive of 10-20 ns duration spatially uniform over a relatively large area (3-4 mm diameter) with minimal preheat effects. Techniques are also being developed to perform fiber-optic-coupled VISAR interferometry, active shock breakout and optical spectroscopy measurements on the stepped Al pusher plate and liquid deuterium sample in the Z bremsstrahhmg environment. Initial VISAR measurements have been able to track the highly reflective metalized shock front propagating in deuterium at pressures of about 55 Gpa.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 8450
- Report Number(s):
- SAND99-0140C; ON: DE00008450
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 11th Biennial International Topical Conference on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter; Snowbird, UT; 06/27-07/02/1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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