Angular filter refractometry analysis using simulated annealing [An improved method for characterizing plasma density profiles using angular filter refractometry]

Journal Article · Mon Oct 30 00:00:00 UTC 2017 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4991511 · OSTI ID:1407114

Angland, P.  ^[1]; Haberberger, D. ^[2]; Ivancic, S. T. ^[2]; Froula, D. H.  ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Rochester, Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics; Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
2. Univ. of Rochester, Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics

Here, a new method of analysis for angular filter refractometry images was developed to characterize laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas using an annealing algorithm to iterative converge upon a solution. Angular filter refractometry (AFR) is a novel technique used to characterize the density pro files of laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas. A synthetic AFR image is constructed by a user-defined density profile described by eight parameters, and the algorithm systematically alters the parameters until the comparison is optimized. The optimization and statistical uncertainty calculation is based on a minimization of the $$\chi$$2 test statistic. The algorithm was successfully applied to experimental data of plasma expanding from a flat, laser-irradiated target, resulting in average uncertainty in the density profile of 5-10% in the region of interest.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0001944
• OSTI ID: 1407114
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 88; ISSN 0034-6748
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English